Columbia  <Bntet#itj> 

intljeCtiptfltogork 

THE  LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


I 


^ONEWAGO.^ 


A  COLLECTION  OF 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


GATHERED    FROM    THE    FIELDS    OF    CATHOLIC    MISSIONARY    LABOR 

WITHIN    OUR    REACH. 


An  Humble  Effort  to  Preserve  Some  Remembrance  of  Those 
Who  Have  Gone  Be/ore,  and  by  Their  Lives,  Their  Labors 
and  Their  Sacrifices,  Secured  for  Succeeding  Genera- 
tions the  Enjoyment  of  Happy  Homes,  and  All 
the  Blessings  of  Our  Holy  Catholic  Religion. 


By  JOHN  T.   REILY. 


HERALD  PRINT, 

MARTINSBURG,   W.    VA., 

1885. 


<?v 


v 


o 


No.  G,  Conewago  Chapel ;  new  steeple  ;  view  from  Mc- 
Sherrystown  side  ;  P'ather  Enders  and  Miss  Sally  Lilly  stand- 
ing at  the  gate.     No.  7,  Sanctuary  and  new  marble  altar. 


Explanation. — No.  1,  Jos.  Enders ;  2,  F.  X.  Deneckere; 
3,  Geo.  Villiger  ;  4,  J.  B.  Emig,  all  S.  J.  No.  5,  Old  Cupola  of 

Conewago  Chapel,  taken  on    a  Procession  day.    The  three  figures  at  the  front  gate 
are,  Miss  Sally  Lilly,  Fathers  Burchard  Villiger  and  Patrick  Buddy. 


.:* 


»; 


lA  *  JC7,  *•  *3^m^*W^akr  M    '." 

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*mW»  DEDICATORY.  e^ps 


To  the  Reverend  Fathers, 

JOSEPH  ENDERS  and  FRAN.  XAV.  DENECKERE, 

Noble  Gentlemen,  Devoted  Priests  and  Kind 
Teachers,  Untiring  Laborers  in  Every  Cause  of 
Religion,  True  Missionary  Representatives,  Faith- 
ful Disciples  of  Their  Divine  Master,  and  Worthy 
Sons  of  Ignatius  de  Loyola,   these  Pages  are 
Gratefully  Dedicated,   in  all   Consciousness 
of  their  Imperfection  and  Incompleteness, 

BY  AN  HUMBLE  PUPIL 


•         -     j 


BY  WAY  OF  INTRODUCTION. 

The  Church  has  reason  to  rejoice,  that  Catholics  are 
awakening  to  the  justice  and  importance  of  reclaiming  and 
preserving  the  early  history  and  records  of  the  religion  of 
their  fathers.  Want,  intolerance  and  persecution  drove  them 
from  their  native  land.  They  came  into  a  strange  and  un- 
settled country, — cast  adrift  in  the  Indian  wilds  of  America, 
without  homes,  without  a  church  or  a  government,  and  with- 
out anything  necessary  to  life  and  happiness. 

This  generation,  with  all  the  grandeur  and  perfection  of 
its  civilization,  can  never  fully  understand  nor  in  the  least 
appreciate  the  sufferings  and  struggles  of  those  who  cleared 
our  fields  and  built  our  homes.  The  enjoyments  and  com- 
forts we  now  possess,  are  ours  only  by  inheritance  as  the 
fruits  of  their  labors. 

By  the  sweat  of  their  brow  and  the  valor  of  their  arm, 
grew  this  mighty  religious  and  social  fabric, — the  Church  to 
teach,  to  bless  and  to  save, — the  State  to  guard  and  protect. 

Before  a  settlement  had  been  formed  or  a  law  enacted, 
the  Church  was  here.  Before  a  Calvert  or  a  Penn  had  been 
granted  a  charter,  the  Jesuits  watered  the  forests  primeval 
with  their  blood.  They  planted  the  Cross  and  offered  up  the 
Holy  Sacrifice,  that  soon  there  might  be  labor  in  the  desert 
wastes  before  them.  Others  came,  and  in  many  a  lowly 
wigwam  and  humble  "  Mass-house  ':  were  heard  the  praises 
of  God,  in  the  celebration  of  the  divine  mysteries  of  the  altar. 
Follow  the  names  in  history  or  geography, — from  the  St. 
Lawrence  to  the  Pacific,  from  the  Lakes  to  the  Gulf,  from 
Maine  to  Florida, — at  every  step  there  is  some  living  evi- 
dence of  the  Catholic  Church.  Time  and  its  changes  can 
never  obliterate  them.  Their  impress  is  indelibly  blended 
on  every  monument  of  greatness,  on  every  work  of  genius  ; 
in  the  laws  and  institutions  of  the  country,  in  the  lives  of 
millions  of  its  inhabitants,  in  the  memory  of  millions  more. 


iv  BY  WAY  OF  INTRODUCTION. 

How  fit  and  proper  that  the  children  of  the  Church 
should  remember  all  she  has  done  for  them.  From  Rome 
herself  sprang  this  desire,  when  Pius  IX.  of  saintly  memory 
opened  to  the  world  the  treasures  of  her  lore.  Men  took  up 
the  good  work  in  this  country  ;  historical  societies  were  or- 
ganized, researches  made,  and  Catholics  have  every  reason 
to  be  proud  of  the  history  of  their  Church. 

The  East  has  a  grand  but  unwritten  history.  The 
Church  wept  over  the  graves  of  the  founders  of  that  "  Hap- 
pie  Marieland."  She  in  turn  rejoiced  over  the  cradle  of  her 
hierarchy  in  America.  Every  hill  and  valley  and  sub-division 
of  country,  bear  names  derived  from  the  Catholic  Church. — 
Every  foot  of  ground  is  to  her  a  land-mark.  Will  her  great 
and  gifted  men  never  respond  to  the  inspiration  of  the  mem- 
ory of  all  that  is  Catholic  in  Maryland  ? 

Conewago  is  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  Maryland  missions. 
Though  in  Pennsylvania,  it  was  founded  under  the  impres- 
sion, and  no  doubt  rightly  so,  that  it  belonged  to  the  Mary- 
land province.  To  write  its  history  is  an  undertaking  far 
beyond  our  ability.  "Under  other  circumstances,"  we  had 
once  hoped  to  do  it  justice.  Alas!  they  will  never  come. — 
Partly  educated  and  living  with  the  Jesuits,  misfortune  turn- 
ed our  course,  and  Remembrance  alone  remains. 

The  only  motive  that  now  prompts  us,  is  the  desire  to 
add  an  humble  mite  to  one  of  the  grandest  histories  America 
will  ever  have, — that  of  the  Catholic  Church.  It  is  intended 
simply  as  a  collection  of  scraps  gathered  by  the  wayside  of 
early  life.  Time  and  means  and  ability  are  wanting  to 
put  them  properly  together.  The  critic  will  say,  better  to 
have  left  it  alone  Far  better,  for  others  much  more  capable 
have  passed  along  and  gone  their  way.  Conewago's  history 
was  not  written.  This  is  a  poor  attempt  at  writing  it,  but  al 
least  the  fragments  we  have  gathered  shall  be  preserved.  By 
confining  ourselves  within  the  limits  of  our  knowledge  and 
purpose  we  hope  to  avoid  the  more  serious  faults  of  rashness 
and  error.  One  great  desire  is  to  write  in  a  Catholic  spirit, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  teachings  of  the  Catholic  Church. 
That  done,  we  hope  the  want  of  polish  and  learning  may  be 
the  more'  readily  overlooked. 

Martinsburg,   W.  Ya.. 
Feast  of  Corpus  Ghristi,  June  it/i,  1835. 


THE  CHURCH  AND  ITS  HEROES. 

How  wonderfully  dependent  upon  each  other,  are  men 
and  their  actions  ?  Great  or  small,  near  together  or  widely 
separated,  there  is  a  bearing  in  all  things,  for  good  or  for 
evil.  It  may  not  be  felt,  nor  seen,  nor  thought  of,  but  it  ex- 
ists;  and  openly  or  silently,  the  tendency  is  carried  out  in 
time  and  beyond. 

Who  could  have  discovered  a  common  end  between  the 
child  born  in  the  Chateau  of  Loyola  at  Biscay  in  Spain,  1491, 
and  the  hardy  sailor  planning  and  explaining  to  the  learned 
men  and  before  the  Courts  of  Europe,  in  that  very  same 
year!  But  there  was.  Conewago  is  an  atom  in  the  sea  of 
results  (lowing  from  the  lives  and  labors  of  Christopher  Col- 
umbus and  Ignatius  Loyola.  So  all  through  life,  from  the 
humblest  details  that  are  passed  by  unnoticed,  to  the  mighty 
events  that  mark  the  centuries  in  distinction. 

Then  let  us  for  a  moment  skim  over  the  main  of  discov- 
ery and  settlement,  and  take  a  few  flowers  here  and  there 
from  the  beautiful  treasure-gardens  of  American  heroism,  in 
which  the  fairest  in  bud  or  bloom  is  a  Catholic  virtue  and  a 
Catholic  deed  ; — happy  enough  if  we  may  call  our  own  the 
ravel-string  that  binds  them. 

"  In  the  foreground  of  American  history  there  stand 
these  three  figures, — a  lady,  a  sailor  and  a  monk.  Might 
they  not  be  thought  to  typify  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity." — 
D'Arcy  McGee. 

Columbus  is  the  grand  central  figure.  The  lady,  Isabella 
the  Catholic,  "one  of  the  purest  and  most  beautiful  characters 
in  history."  The  monk,  Juan  Perez,  who  brought  Columbus 
back  to  confidence  and  success,  when  in  despair  he  was  about 
to  quit  Spain  forever. 

Columbus  !  so  much  like  St.  Ignatius.  Devoutly  Cath- 
olic, pure  and  holy,  he  lived  and  labored  only  for  the  greater 
honor  and  glory  of  God.  His  devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin 
is  the  corner-stone  of  America's  consecration   to  her  honor 


G  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

and  to  the  service  of  her  Divine  Son.  In  her  honor  he  nam- 
ed his  vessel  and  his  discoveries  ;  and  sailing  under  her  pat- 
ronage, he  sang  her  praises  over  all  the  broad  ocean.  He 
remembered  his  religion  in  all  things, — himself  in  nothing. 

Columbus  is  the  type  and  model  of  his  successors  in  the 
Catholic  voyages  of  discovery, — Alonzo  de  Ojeda,  Vasco 
Nunez  de  Balboa,  Hernando  Cortes,  Cabral,  Orellana,  Magel- 
lan, and  others.  Wherever  they  went,  these  navigators  and 
explorers  planted  the  cross,  and  their  memory  shall  perish, 
never.  Sebastian  Cabot  gave  England  a  continent,  but 
"no  one  knows  his  burial-place." 

In  the  far  north,  the  names  of  towns  and  rivers  to  this 
day  give  evidence  of  the  religion  of  Cartier,  Champlain  and 
La  Salle.  In  1679,  the  latter  built  the  first  sailing  vessel  on 
Lake  Erie.  With  his  name  goes  that  of  the  explorer  of  the 
Mississippi,  Ferdinand  de  Soto, — the  associate  of  Pizza ro  and 
a  worthy  companion  of  Columbus.  He  slept  in  the  bosom  of 
the  Mississippi  in  1542.  "The  priests  chanted  over  his  body 
the  first  requiems  that  were  ever  heard  on  the  waters  of  the 
Mississippi." 

With  such  characters  of  nobility  we  may  place  the  brave 
and  generous  Montcalm.  What  a  difference  betweeu  the 
early  heroes  Catholic  Europe  gave  to  America,  and  many  of 
those  who  came  from  there  in  a  more  infidel  age  ? 

It  is  impossible  in  this  short  space  to  follow  the  progress 
of  discovery  or  the  missionary  labors.  This  broad  land  is 
marked  by  such  foot-steps  from  one  end  to  the  other. 

•'  Amid  the  West  India  isles,  through  Mexico,  Peru, 
Brazil  and  the  southern  continent,  the  cross  was  borne  by  the 
missionaries  of  Spain  and  Portugal :  the  Norwegian,  Irish, 
and  later  the  French  and  English,  bore  it  through  our  own 
more  northern  climes." 

The  Franciscan,  Dominican  and  Jesuit  achieved  the 
greater  part  of  the  toil,  and  reaped  the  greatest  harvests. 

The  Irish  discovered  Iceland  and  established  Christianity 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  7 

there,  then  planted  a  colony  on  the  southern  coast  of  North 
America.  A  pagan  Icelander,  driven  there  in  983,  was 
baptized  in  the  colony. 

The  first  American  See  was  founded  by  Ere,  consecrated 
by  the  Archbishop  Adzer  at  Lund,  in  Denmark,  1121. 

"The  ancient  tholus  in  Newport,  the  erection  of  which 
appears  to  be  coeval  with  the  time  of  Bishop  Ere,  belonged 
to  a  Scandinavian  church  or  monastery,  where,  in  alternation 
with  Latin  Masses,  the  old  Danish  tongue  was  heard  seven 
hundred  years  ago." — Royal  Society  of  Antiquarians. 

The  Italian  friar,  Mark,  1539,  traveled  from  Mexico 
through  the  deep  forests  to  the  Pacific,  and  named  that  vast 
realm  San  Francisco. 

"  In  1625,  just  a  year  after  the  Jesuits  had  reached  the 
sources  of  the  Ganges  and  Thibet,  the  banks  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence received  priests  of  the  order,  which  was  destined  to 
carry  the  cross  to  Lake  Superior  and.  the  West." — Bancroft. 

Montreal,  (the  town  of  Mary,)  founded  in  1640,  was  the 
starting  point  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries.  From  1634  to 
1649,  sixty  missionaries  visited  the  wilderness  of  the  Hurons, 
carrying  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel  to  the  surrounding 
tribes.  Father  Allouez,  in  1665,  on  a  voyage  of  discovery, 
heard  for  the  first  time  from  the  Indians  of  the  great  river. 
"  Mesipi."  The  first  colony  of  French  settlers  in  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley  was  established  by  the  Jesuit  missionaries.  In 
1637,  Marquette  explored  the  Mississippi. 

The  Jesuit  missions  in  America  are  the  grandest  monu- 
ments in  the  history  of  the  Society.  Sublime  are  the  lives  of 
its  members.  The  Catholic  Church  has  no  more  glorious 
record.  Their  labors,  sufferings  and  deaths  are  as  inspiring 
as  the  Lives  of  the  Saints  or  the  Trials  of  the  Early  Martyrs. 

"  Here  a  missionary  is  frozen  to  death,  there  another 
sinks  beneath  the  heat  of  the  western  prairie  ;  here  Brebeuf 
is  killed  by  the  enemies  of  his  flock,  and  Segura  by  an  apos- 
tate— Dennis  and  Menard  die  in   the  wilderness,   Dolbean  is 


8  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

blown  up  at  sea,  Noyrot  wrecked  on  the  shore  ;  but  these 
dangers  never  deterred  the  missionary.  In  the  language  of 
the  great  American  historian,  '  the  Jesuit  never  receded  one 
foot.'"— Shea. 

"  Why  be  at  war  with  history?     The  Jesuils  are  there, 
in  the  outer  gate  of  all  our  chronicles.     Speak  them  civilly 
as  you  pass  on.     For  us,  cold  compliments  are  not  enough. — 
Our  blood  warms  at   witnessing  their  heroic  virtue,  and  we 
are  compelled  to  raise  our  voices  in  evidence  of  our  homage. 
They  were  the  first  to  put  the  forest  brambles  by  ;  they  were 
the  first  to  cross  the  thresholds  of  the  wigwams  of  every  na- 
tive tribe  ;  they  first  planted  the  cross  in  the  wilderness,  and 
shed  their  blood  cheerfully  at  its  base.     Shall  we  not  study 
their  lives  and  recall  their  words?     Shall  we  not  figure  them 
on  canvas  and  carve  them  in  marble  ?     Shall  we  not  sing  the 
song  of  their  triumph,  and  teach  it  to  our  children's  children, 
until  the  remotest  generation?     We  have  never  had  cause  to 
be  ashamed  of  them;  and  God  grant  they  may  have  none  to 
be  ashamed  of  us.     I  ask  again  of  those  not  with  us,  Why  be 
at  war  with  history  ?     The  Jesuit  is  in  the  gate,  and  you  can 
no  more  enter  the  first  chapter  of  your  own  chronicles  with- 
out meeting  him  there  than  you  can  enter  Quebec  in  time  of 
war  without  giving  the  sentry  the  countersign." — McGee. 

The  priests  who  came  with  Columbus  on  his  second  voy- 
age, consecrated  a  chapel  in  Isabella,  in  Hayti,  on  the  feast 
of  Epiphany,  1494.  The  early  Dominican  and  Jesuit  mis- 
sionaries in  Florida  were  murdered  by  the  Indians,  one  after 
another.  One  grand  deed  of  theirs  was  the  liberation  of  all 
the  natives  of  Florida,  held  as  slaves  in  the  islands.  It  stands 
out  in  bold  contrast  with  the  inhuman  traffic  afterwards  car- 
ried on  from  that  direction.  Besides  the  wail  of  the  dusky 
slave,  that  land  is  cursed  by  the  groan  of  the  exile  and  the 
lamentation  of  the  flower  of  Ireland  for  its  home  and  kindred. 
In  1570,  a  band  of  Jesuit  missionaries  from  Florida,  with 
a  converted  Indian  for  a  guide,  found  themselves  on  the  lone- 
ly banks  of  the  Chesapeake.     They  hurried  into  the   unex- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY,  9 

plored  forests,  eager  to  bring  to  the  Red  Man  the  light  of 
Christianity.  Deserted  by  their  guide,  they  perished  by  his 
ungrateful  hand,  at  the  foot  of  a  rude  altar  on  which  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  was  being  ottered. 

This  country  has  been  redeemed  by  such  acts  of  hero- 
ism. Who  can  recount  them?  Many  of  them  are  not  record- 
ed, for  the  fairest  flowers  always  bloom  unseen.  Catholics 
may  well  be  proud  of  American  history.  It  is  their  own ; 
theirs  in  discovery,  exploration  and  settlement;  theirs  in  re- 
ligion, purchased  by  their  blood  ;  theirs  in  peace  and  in  war. 
in  science  and  in  progress,  in  its  laws  and  government, — theirs 
in  the  peaceful  possession  of  life,  happiness  and  prosperity. 
Grandly  their  own,  but  not  selfishly.  There  is  not  a  blot  of 
Catholic  intolerance  on  its  pages.  It  is  the  common  country 
of  a  free  and  independent  people. 

May  we  not  take  the  beautiful  words  of  Fenelon,  and 
with  them  exclaim  :  Oh  Land  of  America!  Oh  sacred  Land! 
Oh  dear  and  common  country  of  all  true  christians!  And 
then  we  listen  in  rapt  admiration  to  the  end  that  so  beauti- 
fully  crowns  the  work  of  the  scholarly  MacLeod  : — 

Who  then  has  the  true  claim  to  the  ownership  of  North 
America?  The  red  Indian  steps  noiselessly  forward  and  says, 
"It  is  I  !  For  ages  immemorial  my  fathers  fished  these  wa- 
ters, or  struck  down  the  game  in  these  yet  undesecrated  for- 
ests." "I  claim  the  land,"  saith  the  Spaniard.  "I,  who  re- 
deemed those  Southern  pampas,  and  first  taught  the  Gulf  and 
the  lagoon  the  sounds  of  Christian  praise."  "  It  is  mine," 
says  the  fiery  Gaul.  "The  snow- wastes  of  Canada  were 
crimsoned  with  French  blood  :  it  was  a  French  sword  which 
tamed  the  fierce  Irocmois,  and  tribes  of  every  tongue,  the 
roaming  Algonquin,  from  the  mighty  ocean  to  the  mysterious 
great  lakes." 

"The  land  is  mine,"  says  the  English  Puritan  from  Berks 
or  Huntingdon  ;  or  the  English  Cavalier  from  Derbyshire. 
York,    and  Cumberland.     The  Highlander,  in  gutturals  deep 


10  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

as  those  with  which  he  turned  away  from  the  red,  red  field  of 
Culloden,  demands  at  least  the  mountains  of  the  Carolinas 
and  Georgia,  the  cold  coasts  of  Nova  Scotia,  and  part  of  the 
shores  of  Saint  Lawrence. 

But  we  cannot  grant  to  any  one  of  these  the  fulness  of 
his  claim.  Wherever  they  are  found  as  agents  acting  sub- 
serviently to  the  fulness  of  our  own  claim  ;  wherever  they 
shall  seem  to  have  advanced  and  aided  that,  we  will  give 
them  the  praise  of  worthy  servants. 

Reverence  then  for  the  silent  Indian  ;  reverence,  deep  as 
justice,  mute  as  himself,  for  the  olden  lord  of  this  land  ! 
Honor  to  the  swarth  Iberian  who  planted  the  yellow  stand- 
ard of  Castile  on  the  shores  of  the  Mexican  Gulf;  honor  to 
the  chivalric  Frank  who  swung  the  lilies  out  to  the  icy  air  of 
Canada  :  honor  to  the  broad-chested  Briton,  for  he  named  his 
first  town  Saint  Mary's  :  honor  to  the  sinewy  son  of  the  green 
old  Island  of  Eire  :  honor  to  the  patient  toiler  who  came, 
singing  harmonious  choruses,  from  the  arrowy  rush  of  the 
Rhine— but  glory  supreme  to  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  from  whom 
all  blessings  are  !  For  whom  and  for  His  Mother,  we  claim 
as  theirs,  by  right  of  first  discovery  and  seizure,  this  North 
American  continent.  Glory  to  God,  the  Eternal,  and  honor 
perpetual  to  Immaculate  Mary. 


PENN  AND  CALVERT  COME. 


The  history  of  Europe  for  two  hundred  years  before 
the  colonization  of  America,  is  one  of  warfare  and  perse- 
cution. The  terrible  tragedies  that  were  enacted  in  the 
name  of  religion  and  patriotism,  are  recalled  with  horror  in 
this  more  peaceful  age  and  country.  Humanity  is  the  strang- 
est study  of  creation.  Habit  and  custom  are  so  strong  in 
man  that   they  cling  to  generations.     To  these  add  human 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  11 

prejudice,  through  which  a  ruling  point  is  transmitted  from 
father  to  son,  carried  from  one  country  to  another,  and  kept 
alive  from  century  to  century.  The  greatest  blemishes  on 
the  history  of  America  can  be  traced  to  their  source,  thous- 
•ands  of  miles  away  and  hundreds  of  years  ago.  The  purely 
American  record  is  fair  in  comparison  with  the  fruits  of  an 
inherited  prejudice,  felt  to  this  day  in  many  ways  and  seen 
in  many  things. 

It  is  not  our  purpose  to  review  points  of  history  ;  but 
one  thing  leads  to  another,  until  we  come  to  that  humble 
part  which  is  dearest  to  us  as  the  object  of  our  labor.  For 
all  the  rest  of  the  vast  and  ever-changing  sea  around  us,  it  is 
sufficient  to  know  that  the  Catholic  Church  has  survived  the 
ever-flowing  and  never-returning  tide  of  the  world  ;  and  that 
this  humble  part  of  history  we  are  about  to  record,  came 
through  the  church  and  in  all  things  belongs  to  her.  We 
know  the  past.  Faith  steps  in  at  the  present,  and  beyond 
the  twilight  of  the  future  into  the  growing  shadows  of  its 
night,  we  see  from  the  broken  arches  of  London  bridge  the 
sad  ruins  before  us  ;  and  at  the  tinkling  of  a  little  bell  adown 
where  the  chapel  cross  glitters  in  the  sunlight  stealing  over 
the  dark  waters,  eveiy  knee  is  bowed  and  every  heart  is 
hushed  as  of  old,  in  the  solemn  silence  of  the  Sanctus  !  Sanc- 
tus  !  Sanctus  !  the  last  Hosanna  of  which  will  resound  through 
eternity. 

The  revolutions  in  Europe  drove  the  colonists  to  this 
country  and  settled  America.  Freedom  of  thought  and  free- 
dom of  action  were  denied  them  in  the  land  of  their  fathers, 
and  they  looked  to  the  New  World  for  happier  and  more 
peaceful  homes.  Persecution  followed  them,  led  by  many. 
an  evil  genius  of  mother-land  intolerance.  Every  change  of 
tyrant-ruler  in  Europe  was  severely  felt  in  the  colonies,  until 
the  glorious  patriots  with  their  taste  of  freedom  could  stand 
no  more,  and  Independence  was  proclaimed  in  the  land  of 
the  free  and  the  home  of   the  brave.      Would  that  we  could 


VI  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

recount  the  struggles  of  the  heroes  of  Independence,  but  you 
have  the  history  of  your  country  before  you  ;  study  it  well 
and  let  your  children  drink  it  in  from  their  youth,  that  this 
great  Union  of  States  and  Union  of  Hearts  may  be  preserved 
and  perpetuated  forever. 

The  first  Pennsylvania  settlement  was  made  by  the 
Dutch,  in  1609.  The  Swedes  and  Fins  settled  along  the  Del- 
aware in  1(527.  Penn's  charter  was  dated  Westminster, 
March  4th,  1681.  In  December  of  that  year,  the  first  vessel 
arrived  at  Chester.  Philadelphia  was  founded  in  1682. — 
Perm  followed  an  honest  and  peaceful  policy  in  all  his  deal- 
ings with  his  people.  Catholics  should  hold  the  Friends 
m  respectful  remembrance.  Like  Washington,  Penn  had  a 
kindly  feeling  for  Catholics,  especially  after  passing  through 
many  trials  himself.  The  laws  of  the  mother-country  and 
many  of  our  own  early  enactments,  must  lie  taken  into  con- 
sideration when  passing  judgment  upon  the  course  of  Penn. 
The  iniluence  of  prejudice  established  by  English  law  was 
great,  and  in  the  end  overcame  Penn  himself.  In  the  other 
States  Catholics  fared  worse.  For  the  cause  of  the  severe 
penal  laws  in  the  Provinces,  look  to  "the  glorious  revolution 
of  1688."  Then  arose  the  "  No  Popery  "  cry  in  New  York, 
and  "  Down  with  the  -Jesuits.''  Massachusetts  and  Virginia 
were  thereby  aroused  against  the  Catholics.  Under  William 
and  Mary  liberty  of  conscience  was  allowed  to  all  christians, 
"  except  Papists."  Then  it  was  that  the  "  pious  Acadian  ,: 
suffered.  In  1692,  the  Episcopal  church  was  established  by 
law  in  Maryland.  Acts  were  passed  "  to  prevent  the  growth 
of  Popery."  Priests  could  not  say  Mass,  nor  teach,  nor  per- 
form any  religious  rite,  under  a  severe  penalty  of  the  law. — 
Rewards  were  offered  and  imprisonment  inflicted.  One  hun- 
dred pounds  for  sending  a  child  abroad  to  be  educated  in  the 
Catholic  religion.  The  Catholic  youth  who  upon  attaining 
his  majority  refused  to  take  the  oaths  prescribed,  forfeited 
his  lands  by  descent,  and  the  next  of  kin  being  a  Protestant 
succeeded.     Catholic  worship  was  prohibited  in  Pennsylvania 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  13 

in  1734  and  1730.  The  Acts  of  1757,  regulating  the  militia, 
did  not  allow  Catholics  to  enter  military  duty  or  to  have  any 
ammunition  or  weapons  in  their  houses  or  possession. 
Brighter  days  came.  The  Catholic,  tried  by  persecution,  was 
.  found  true  and  loyal  to  his  country  and  his  God.  He  knew 
how  to  live,  how  to  suffer  and  how  to  die.  He  sat  in  the 
Councils  of  the  nation,  and  signed  her  great  Declaration  of 
Independence.  He  did  not  cease,  though,  to  be  persecuted 
by  prejudice,  and  ne\-er  will.  His  religion  stands  over  and 
against  him  in  this  world.  It  ever  did  and  ever  will.  This 
old-time  hatred  crops  out  here  and  there  to  this  day. — 
But  Catholics  are  respected  and  honored  b}^  the  mass  of 
American  co-religionists.  Their  religion  is  recognized  as  a 
power  for  good.  Let  them  guard  it  well,  and  keep  aloof  from 
all  political  entanglements,  exercising  their  rights  as  Ameri- 
can citizens  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  conscience — sup- 
porting men  and  measures  and  not  party.  This  persecution 
and  opposition  to  Catholics  was  not  born  in  America  ;  it  has 
its  origin  farther  back  than  Smithlield  or  Tyburn,  farther  still 
than  Nero  or  Diocletian  ;  it  is  coeval  with  Christianity  itself, 
and  is  one  of  the  strongest  proofs  of  the  true  church,  foretold 
by  its  founder,  Jesus  Christ. 

Wm.  Penn  was  born  in  London,  Oct.  16th,  1044.  He 
was  expelled  from  Christ  Church,  Oxford,  and  disowned  by 
his  father,  for  being  a  Quaker.  He  was  twice  imprisoned  for 
preaching  in  public.  His  possessions  in  the  Xew  World  were 
taken  from  him,  on  suspicion  of  his  being  in  league  with  King 
James  in  exile.  These  suspicions  were  declared  unfounded 
in  1694,  and  he  became  a  friend  of  King  William.  Burdened 
with  debts,  he  closed  his  life  in  gloom  and  obscurity,  1718. 
The  last  claims  of  the  Penns  were  purchased  by  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Pennsylvania,  in  1771),  for  one  hundred  and  thirty 
thousand  pounds. 

Sir  George  Calvert,  Baron  of  Baltimore,  was  born  in 
Yorkshire,  England,  1582,  and  died  April  15th,  1632.  He 
was  a  man  of  wealth  and  position,   and  was  in  attendance  at 


14  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

the  French  Court  of  King  Henri  IV.,  of  Navarre,  whose 
daughter,  Henrietta  Maria,  wife  of  Charles  L,  gave  to  Mary- 
land her  name. 

"In  an  age  when  religious  controversy  still  continued  to 
be  active,  and  when  the  increasing  divisions  among  Protest- 
ants were  spreading  a  general  alarm,  his  mind  sought  relief 
from  controversy  in  the  bosom  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church."  He  resigned  his  political  honors,  retired  to  Ireland, 
and  after  visiting  his  settlement  in  New  Foundland,  he  took 
up  a  grant  of  land  in  1629,  lying  to  the  south  of  James  River 
in  Virginia.  This  grant  he  afterwards  surrendered  for  the 
large  and  beautiful  territory  lying  to  the  north  of  the  Poto- 
mac. His  charter  was  from  Charles  L,  and  descended  to  his 
son,  Cecil,  who  was  succeeded  in  1675  by  Charles  Calvert, — 
The  Calverts  were  deprived  of  their  rights  for  a  time,  but 
were  restored  under  Queen  Anne  as  proprietors  of  Maryland 
and  held  their  possessions  up  to  the  American  Revolution. 

Leonard  Calvert,  brother  of  Cecil,  and  about  two  hun- 
dred people,  set  sail  in  the  Ark  and  Dove  from  Cowes  in  the 
Isle  of  Wight,  on  St.  Cecilia's  day,  Nov.  22,  1G33.  They 
placed  themselves  and  their  ships  under  the  protection  of  God, 
and  invoked  the  intercession  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  St. 
Ignatius.  They  sailed  safely  up  St.  Mary's  River,  and  on  the 
27th  of  March,  1G34,  took  quiet  possession  of  the  Indian 
town  of  Yoacomoco  ;  "  and  religious  liberty  obtained  a  home, 
its  only  home  in  the  wide  world,  at  the  humble  village  which 
bore  the  name  of  St.  Mary's."  *  *  *  "  The  Roman  Catho- 
lics, who  were  oppressed  by  the  laws  of  England,  were  sure 
to  find  a  peaceful  asylum  in  the  quiet  harbors  of  the  Chesa- 
peake ;  and  there,  too,  Protestants  were  sheltered  against 
Protestant  intolerance."—  Bancroft. 

After  nearly  two  hundred  years  a  selfish  prejudice  ques- 
tions the  motives  which  led  to  religious  toleration  in  Mary- 
land. Had  the  persecuted  colonists  in  the  other  provinces 
been  granted  this  priceless  favor,  they  never  would  have  ask- 
ed from  what  motives  it  proceeded,  but  embraced  it  as  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  15 

choicest  blessing  from  Heaven. 

"'Twill  not,' — such  was  the  oath  of  the  Governor  of 
Maryland, — 'I  will  not,  by  myself  or  any  other,  directly  or 
indirectly,  molest  any  person  professing  to  believe  in  Jesus 
Christ,  for  or  in  respect  of  religion.'" — Chalmers,  235  ;  Mc- 
Mahon,  226. 

"  An  apprehension  of  some  remote  danger  of  persecution 
seems  even  then  to  have  hovered  over  the  minds  of  the  Ro- 
man Catholics." — Third  Assembly  of  Maryland,  1639. 

It  came,  indeed,  only  too  soon,  and  gave  in  exchange  for 
Catholic  toleration  and  a  prosperous  colonial  government,  all 
the  evils  of  religious  persecution  in  a  reign  of  disorder  and 
misrule. 

Catholic  Maryland  is  the  brightest  gem  in  the  crown  of 
States.  Religion  lent  not  her  charms  in  vain.  In  the  dark 
days  of  her  trials  in  America,  the  church  looked  to  Maryland 
for  hope  and  encouragement.  Whatever  fault  may  now  be 
found  with  the  policy  of  the  great  lights  of  the  church  in 
Maryland,  let  it  be  said  they  acted  well  their  parts,  and  laid 
the  foundations  of  their  building  on  solid  rock.  Now  when 
the  building  is  up  in  all  its  massive  strength,  and  able  to  with- 
stand the  beating  rain  and  the  fury  of  the  storm,  it  is  easy 
for  little  and  petulant  minds  to  pick  flaws  here  and  there  in 
its  rugged  gray  foundation  stones  ;  but  it  requires  the  height 
of  genius  to  accurately  measure  the  labor  and  material  that 
entered  into  its  erection,  and  the  depth  of  learning  to  outline 
the  circumstances  upon  which  the  plan  of  structure  was  laid. 

Catholic  Maryland  !  I  might  never  tire  to  wander  in  thy 
broad  and  beautiful  fields  of  religious  culture.  Every  plant 
and  shrub  and  tree  is  so  familiar  and  home-like,  and  reminds 
me  of  the  gardens  of  my  mother,  the  church.  Every  name  is 
dear  to  a  thousand  memories  in  the  household  of  faith.  Thy 
laborers,  I  know  them  full  well ;  they  have  worked  in  the 
Father's  vineyard  in  the  heat  of  the  day  and  bore  the  burden 
of  the  toil ; — the}7  are  Jesuits  !  You  meet  them  everywhere, 
cultivating  the  barren  wastes  and  the  broad  fields  of  waving 


16  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

grain  ;  they  never  rest  nor  weary,  and  murmur  not  at  their 
scanty  pay.  Happy  Maryland  !  I  should  like  to  count  your 
treasures  over,  but  it  may  not  be.     Time  calls  me  away. 

On  Annunciation  Day,  1634,  the  Pilgrims  celebrated  their 
first  Mass  at  St.  Clement's  on  Heron's  Island.  That  sacred 
place  is  now  a  sand-washed  waste. 

In  1636,  there  were  four  priests  in  the  Maryland  mis- 
sion. The  Indians  were  for  the  most  part  friendly  to  the 
Catholic  missionaries,  until  excited  and  misled  by  the  enemies 
of  the  church,  when  they  turned  upon  their  best  friends  in 
the  world.  Fathers  White  and  Altham  obtained  a  hut  from 
the  Indians  and  used  it  for  a  chapel.  They  converted  the 
great  Indian  King,  Tayac,  and  his  wife,  called  Mary  in  bap- 
tism. At  their  marriage,  Gov.  Calvert  and  many  distinguish- 
ed men  came  far  distances  through  the  wild  country,  to  be 
present  at  the  ceremony,  which  was  made  as  impressive  as 
the  scanty  facilities  of  a  new  settlement  would  permit.  A 
cross  was  erected  and  the  Litany  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
chanted. 

The  first  printing  press  in  any  British  colony  was  set  up 
by  these  Jesuit  Fathers,  and  a  Catechism  printed  for  the  In- 
dians. A  copy  is  preserved  in  the  archives  at  Rome.  An 
Indian  grammar  and  dictionary  were  also  printed. 

During  Clayborne's  rebellion,  Father  White  was  sent  in 
chains  to  England.  After  many  trials  and  sufferings,  he  was 
banished,  but  returned  and  died  in  London,  Jan.  6th,  1G57, 
in  his  78th  year. 

The  Maryland  historians  have  allowed  the  missionaries 
the  credit  of  their  labors,  but  not  as  they  deserved.  The 
part  they  took  in  the  settlement  of  the  country  was  the  lead- 
ing one,  and  great  was  the  influence  of  their  labors,  and  last- 
ing. Davis  in  his  Daij-Star  pleads  for  justice  to  their  mem- 
ory :  Let  not  the  Protestant  historian  of  America  give 
grudgingly.  Let  him  testify,  with  a  warm  heart  ;  and  pay, 
with  gladness,  the  tribute  so  richly  due  to  the  memory  of  our 
early  forefathers.     Let  their  deeds  be  enshrined  in  our  hearts  ; 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  17 

and  their  names  repeated  in  our  households.  Let  thein  be 
canonized,  in  the  grateful  regards  of  the  American  ;  and  hand- 
ed down,  through  the  lips  of  a  living  tradition,  to  his  most  re- 
mote posterity.  In  an  age  of  cruelty,  like  true  men,  with 
heroic  hearts,  they  fought  the  first  great  battle  of  religious 
liberty.  And  their  fame,  without  reference  to  their  faith,  is 
now  the  inheritance,  not  only  of  Maryland,  but  also  of 
America. 


BOUNDARY  DIFFICULTIES. 

When  we  look  over  the  broad  and  fertile  fields  of  the 
Conewago  Valley,  we  see  in  the  great  natural  wealth  around 
us  the  reason  why  every  foot  of  its  ground  was  so  bitterly 
and  persistently  contested.  The  hard-working  German  farm- 
er was  eager  to  push  across  the  Susquehanna's  legal  barrier, 
and  take  up  the  rich  bottom  lands  along  the  Codorus  and  the 
Conewago.  The  English  gentry  from  the  ranks  of  the  Cal- 
verts,  with  their  baronial  ideas  of  grand  estates,  knew  full 
well  the  value  and  advantages  of  these  forest  hills  and  val- 

CD 

leys  bordering  the  tributaries  which  drained  the  land  from 
the  mountains  to  the  rivers.  The  poor  Irish  peasant  looked 
over  the  half-cleared  patches  with  envy,  and  remembered  the 
marshy  wastes  and  barren  hills  of  his  own  green  isle  with 
sadness.  The  restless,  self-willed  "squatter"  comes  along, 
despising  metes  and  bounds  as  he  does  law  and  order,  and 
cares  only  to  go  where  he  pleases  and  do  whatever  he  wishes. 
Baltimore  County,  in  the  Province  of  Maryland,  was 
formed  in  1659.  Many  of  the  oldest  deeds  to  property  in  the 
Conewago  Valley,  are  from  the  Proprietaries  of  Maryland, 
when  the  land  was  claimed  to  be  within  the  bounds  of  Balti- 
more County.  For  this  reason,  we  do  not  agree  with  those 
who  accuse  the  Maryland  settlers  of  coining  into  the  Province 
of  Pennsylvania  without  leave  or  license.     Chester  County, 


18  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

to  which  the  land  originally  belonged  under  the  claims  of 
Penn,  was  not  formed  until  1682,  twenty-three  years  later 
than  the  formation  of  Baltimore  County.  Carroll  County, 
now  part  of  the  border-line  betweeD  the  two  States,  was 
formed  from  parts  of  Baltimore  and  Frederick  Counties,  1836. 
Tracing  the  land  down  on  the  Pennsylvania  side,  we  find  it 
was  included  in  Chester  County  from  1682  to  May  15th, 
1729,  when  Lancaster  County  was  formed  ;  in  Lancaster  until 
Aug.  9th,  1749,  the  elate  of  the  formation  of  York  County; 
and  in  York  until  Jan.  22d,  1800,  when  Adams,  the  present 
County,  was  cut  oil'  from  York.  Conewago  Township  was 
formed  May  25th,  1800,  out  of  parts  of  Heidelberg  and  Man- 
heim  Townships,  York  County.  Baltimore  was  laid  out  in 
1729,  on  lands  of  Charles- Carroll.  Frederick  was  laid  out  in 
1745;  Georgetown  in  1751;  Hagerstown  1762;  York  in 
1741  ;  Hanover  in  1764;  Gettysburg  in  1780;  Littlestown 
in  1765  ;  Abbottstown  in  1753  ;  New  Oxford  in  1792. 

From  various  causes,  the  boundary  claims  and  title  diffi- 
culties through  this  border  country,  from  the  Susquehanna  to 
what  is  now  Mason  &  Dixon's  line,  were  the  longest  in  dispute 
and  the  most  conflicting  of  any  in  the  history  of  the  Provin- 
ces. The  poor  settler  might  feel  reasonably  secure  after  hav- 
ing his  tract  entered  in  the  Land  Book  for  the  County  of 
Baltimore  and  that  of  the  Philadelphia  Land-Office,  with  a 
release  from  the  Carrolls,  but  great  is  his  surprise  when  along 
comes  Dudley  Digges,  claiming  to  have  an  order  from  the 
Council  to  make  him  give  up  his  lands !  No  wonder  the  set- 
tlers determined  to  defend  their  homes  with  their  lives. 

As  soon  as  Penn's  grant  was  announced,  a  difficulty  arose 
between  himself  and  Lord  Baltimore  about  the  dividing  line. 
They  met  together  several  times,  but  never  came  to  any  sat- 
isfactory understanding.  First  they  agreed  to  adopt  the  bor- 
der fixed  by  the  decree  of  1685,  but  royal  decrees  did  not 
satisfy  the  increasing  dissensions  among  the  settlers.  Quar- 
rels arose,  in  which  the  laws  of  both  Proprietaries  were  in- 
voked, or  taken  advantage  of  and  misconstrued.     Many  acts 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  19 

of  violence  were  committed,  and  great  evil  and  lawlessness 
existed.  The  courts  of  justice  were  far  away,  and  there  be- 
ing no  real  or  recognized  authority,  designing  men  used  this 
state  of  affairs  to  their  advantage.  Petitions  were  sent  to  the 
Governor  and  the  State  Council,  and  royal  orders  were  at- 
tempted to  be  enforced,  but  the  difficulties  continued.  The 
section  of  country  became  a  refuge  for  evil-doers,  as  the  laws 
of  either  Province  could  be  resisted  and  protection  claimed 
under  the  other.  In  the  same  way,  taxes  were  refused  to  be 
paid  by  men  who  enjoyed  all  the  privileges  of  government 
with  those  who  contributed  to  its  support,  for  the  majority  of 
the  settlers  were  honest  and  well-meaning,  ready  to  submit  to 
lawful  authority  wherever  established.  A  Temporary  Line 
was  run  by  commissioners  from  both  Provinces,  but  the  diffi- 
culties continued.  In  1757,  the  Grand  Jury  of  the  Count  v 
made  all  conform  to  the  royal  order,  that  titles  were  good  no 
matter  on  which  side  of  the  Temporary  Line  located,  and 
designated  as  far  as  possible  to  which  Province  they  belong- 
ed. The  final  settlement  of  the  troubles  was  made  in  17G6- 
67,  when  by  order  of  the  English  Court  of  Chancery,  Charles 
Mason  and  Jeremiah  Dixon,  noted  astronomers  in  England, 
run  the  present  line,  placing  at  every  mile  a  stone  with  the 
letter  P.  and  arms  of  Penn  on  one  side,  and  the  letter  M.  and 
escutcheon  of  Lord  Baltimore  on  the  other.  Some  of  these 
mile-stones  are  standing  to  this  day. 

By  the  grant  of  Charles  II.  to  Wra.  Penn,  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania  was  made  "a  cir- 
cle drawn  at  twelve  miles  distant  from  New  Castle,  north- 
ward, and  westward  to  the  40th  degree  of  northern  latitude, 
then  by  a  straight  line  westward."  Lord  Baltimore's  north- 
ern boundary,  by  his  grant,  was  also  the  40th  parallel,  but 
the  circle  twelve  miles  distant  from  New  Castle  would  not  in- 
tersect the  40th  parallel,  the  distance  being  more  than  the 
twelve  miles  prescribed  by  the  charter.  "  Each  party  con- 
sequently claimed  the  intervening  strip,   and  the  adherents  of 


20  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

each,  ignorant  of  real  or  assumed  lines,  claimed  much  more 
than  their  lords  and  masters." — Smith's  Annals  of  Hanover 
and  History  of  York  County. 

Lord  Baltimore's  grant  included  all  the  present  State  of 
Delaware,  and  a  portion  of  Pennsylvania,  including  the 
Counties  of  Chester,  Delaware.  Lancaster,  York,  Adams, 
Franklin,  Fulton,  Bedford  and  Somerset.  In  their  attempts 
at  settlement  of  the  grant  troubles,  it  was  urged  by  the  Penns 
that  the  Swedes  and  Dutch  had  settlements  before  the  char- 
ter of  Lord  Baltimore  was  obtained. 

The  charter  of  Maryland  defined  the  western  boundary 
by  the  meridian  passing  through  the  first  fountain  of  the  Po- 
tomac. Whether  it  meant  the  North  or  South  branch  is  an 
open  question  to  this  clay,  and  commissions  were  recently  ap- 
pointed by  the  Legislatures  of  several  States  now  divided  by 
this  line,  to  determine  questions  coming  from  boundary  un- 
certainties. 

Penn's  policy  always  was,  to  issue  no  warrants  for  lands 
unless  first  obtaining  titles  from  the  Indians.  The  Indians 
west  of  the  Susquehanna  were  subject  to  the  Five  Nations. — 
Penn  empowered  Thomas  Dougan,  Governor  of  New  York, 
to  purchase  of  the  Five  Nations  their  right  and  interest  in  the 
lands  west  of  the  river.  The  purchase  was  made  about  1688. 
Jan.  12th,  1696,  Dougan  leased  for  1000  years  all  his  right 
and  title  west  of  the  river  to  Wm.  Penn  for  100  pounds  ster- 
ling and  a  yearly  rent  of  a  "pepper  corn."  Jan.  13th,  1696, 
Thos.  Dougan  sold  to  Penn  all  lands  from  the  mountains  or 
head  of  said  river,  and  running  as  far  as  the  Chesapeake. — 
Penn  was  not  satisfied  but  obtained  a  deed  from  the  Susque- 
hannas,  the  originial,  though  defeated,  owners  of  the  soil. — 
The  Connestoga  Indians  denied  the  right  of  the  Susquehannas 
to  sell  the  lands  west  of  the  river.  Penn,  always  ready  to 
settle  any  claims  against  lands  he  held,  purchased  a  deed 
from  the  Connestoga  Indians.  The  Five  Nations  still  assert- 
ed a  right  to  said  land,  and  they  sent  their  chiefs  to  a  great 
Council  held  in  the  country  of  the  Onondagoes,  in  the  sum- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  21 

mer  of  1736.  A  deed  was  signed  Oct.  11th,  1730,  by  eight 
Onondagoes,  six  Senekaes,  four  Oneidas,  two  Tuscaroras,  and 
three  Cayugas,  conveying  said  lands  to  John,  Thomas  and 
Richard  Penn.  This  included  all  the  Susquehanna  River, 
eastward  as  far  as  the  heads  of  the  springs  that  run  into  said 
river  ;  west  to  the  setting  of  the  sun  ;  northward  to  the  moun- 
tains called  by  the  Nations  Tyannantasaeta,  or  Endless  Hills, 
and  by  the  Dela wares,  Kekkachtananin  Hills. 


"DIGGEST  CHOICE." 


Tradition  has  preserved  but  few  names  of  the  first  set- 
tlers through  the  Conewago  Valley.  History  has  done  no 
better.  Historical  researches  ahead  of  us  there  are  none  ; — 
no  old  papers  or  writings  ;  even  the  original  deeds  are  not 
obtainable.  In  Father  HeBarth's  time,  all  the  books  and 
papers  kept  at  Conewago  were  taken  to  Georgetown. 

The  Father-General  of  the  Society  in  Rome  has  a  good 
record  of  the  Jesuit  labors  in  these  provinces.  Reports  have 
been  made  up  in  this  country  from  time  to  time,  clothed  in 
a  Latin  dress  in  presentable  shape  by  order  of  the  Provin- 
cial, and  forwarded  to  the  head  of  the  Society.     Some  day  ! 

In  early  colonial  times,  land,  like  timber,  was  so  plenty 
and  so  cheap  that  large  tracts  were  given  away  for  the  small- 
est service  or  the  least  consideration.  In  1722,  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Susquehanna,  75,000  acres  were  surveyed  as  the 
Manor  of  Springgettsbury,  for  the  Proprietaries  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, with  the  intention  of  preventing  the  Maryland  author- 
ities from  encroaching  upon  lands  thus  claimed.  Thomas 
Cresap,  a  Marylander,  had  a  grant  of  500  acres  along  the 
river,  on  which  disgraceful  scenes  were  enacted  and  great  in- 
justice done.  Penn  always  treated  righteously  with  the  In- 
dians,  but   Cresap  burnt  their  villages  and  murdered  the  in- 


22  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

habitants,  and  acted  no  better  with  the  white  settlers  who 
had  crossed  the  river  from  the  east.  Cresap  was  from  York- 
shire, and  was  only  fifteen  years  old  when  he  came  to  the 
Maryland  Province.  The  Winthrops,  the  Penns,  the  Wash- 
ingtons  and  the  Calverts,  all  came  from  Yorkshire,  and  we 
would  not  be  surprised  to  find  that  Digges  and  Clayborne 
also  came  from  there.  "  The  Manor  of  Maske  "  was  survey- 
ed for  the  use  of  the  Proprietaries  of  Pennsylvania,  in  1740. 
It  was  six  miles  wide  and  twelve  miles  long,  and  was  located 
in  the  western  part  of  what  is  now  Adams  County,  touching 
the  Maryland  line  on  the  south.  *'  Carroll's  Delight "  was 
surveyed  under  Maryland  authority,  April  3d,  1732,  patented 
Aug.  8th,  1735,  to  Charles,  Mary  and  Eleanor  Carroll.  There 
were  two  "  Tracts,"  containing  5,000  acres.  Many  difficulties 
arose  from  these  special  reservations,  and  the  conflictions  in 
titles  that  they  occasioned  were  felt  down  to  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century.  In  several  instances  the  original  set- 
tlers interfered  with  the  surveyors  and  threatened  their  lives. 
For  some  reason,  John  Digges,  a  petty  nobleman,  obtained 
from  the  proprietor  of  Maryland  a  grant  of  10,000  acres,  Oct. 
14th,  1727.  He  had  the  privilege  of  taking  up  any  unim- 
proved lands  in  the  Province.  For  this  grant,  Digges  paid 
184  pounds,  19  shillings,  as  pre-emption  money,  and  a  yearly 
rental  of  13  pounds,  12  shillings,  11  pence,  in  silver  or  gold. 
In  1732,  by  the  advice  of  an  Indian  Chief  named  Tom,  Digges 
surveyed  6,822  acres  lying  on  Tom's  Creek,  and  called  it 
"  Digges'  Choice."  This  tract  took  in  all  the  beautiful  Valley 
of  the  Conewago,  on  the  Little  Conewago  and  Plum  Creeks, 
from  the  Pigeon  Hill  spurs  to  the  springs  that  start  these 
creeks.  The  original  survey  in  1732  crossed  the  Conewago 
and  took  in  all  the  finest  land  adjoining  on  the  west  side.- — ■ 
Oct.  11th,  1732,  the  Maryland  office  issued  to  John  Digges  a 
patent  for  the  land  of  his  choice. 

When  the  Temporary  Line  was  run  in  1732,  to  serve  as 
a  boundary  until  the  border  difficulties  could  be  finally  set- 
tled. Digges'  land  was  decided  to  be  in  Pennsvlvania  ;  but  his 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  23 

title  was  good,  on  account  of  a  Royal  Order  then  issued, 
which  declared  that  all  titles  previously  obtained, 
should  hold  good,  no  matter  on  which  side  of  the  Temporary 
Line,  nor  by  which  Province  granted.  Among  the  settlers 
on  "  Digges'  Choice,"  were  David  Young,  Adam  Miller,  Adam 
Weisser,  John  Lemmon,  1732  ;  they  were  the  Kr&utz-Kirclw 
settlers,  near  Littlest  own.  and  came  from  the  east  of  the  river. 

Andrew  Schreiber  purchased  100  acres  from  Digges  in 
1734,  for  which  he  paid  one  hundred  pairs  of  negro  shoes. — 
Henry  Sell  came  in  1735  ;  Martin  Kitzmiller  in  1736  ;  Adam 
Forney  in  1737.  Robert  Owings,  a  Catholic  and  one  of  the 
first  settlers  with  the  Diggeses,  surveyed  and  laid  off  land  for 
Henry  Sell  and  Martin  Kitzmiller  in  1739.  On  this  land  and 
about  this  time,  Kitzmiller's  mill  was  built.  Before  that  the 
settlers  had  to  go  to  the  Susquehanna  to  have  their  wheat 
ground. 

Settlements  were  made  from  the  east  of  the  river  as  ear- 
ly as  1710,  and  by  1720  the  Marylanders  had  pushed  north- 
ward as  far  as  the  Codorus.  From  that  time  date  the  troub- 
les between  the  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  settlers,  ended 
at  last  by  the  running  of  Mason  &  Dixon's  line,  17G7.  The 
claims  of  the  Diggeses  were  never  settled,  but  may  be  said  to 
have  died  out.  The  land  was  too  much  mixed  up  in  dispute 
to  enforce  them.  The  majority  of  the  settlers  acted  honor- 
ably, as  can  be  seen  from  the  old  deeds  still  preserved.  Most 
of  them  held  titles  under  Lord  Baltimore  first,  and  after  the 
Temporary  Line  was  run  they  secured  titles  from  the  Penns  ; 
then  they  had  a  Right  or  Deed  from  John  Digges  or  his  sons, 
which  carried  with  it  a  release  from  the  Carrolls.  It  is  easy 
to  understand  why  the  title  and  boundary  disputes  contin- 
ued so  long  in  bitterness  and  confusion,  and  only  a  wonder 
that  the  difficulties  were  not  more  serious  in  their  results. 

In  November,  1743,  Digges  applied  to  the  Pennsylvania 
Land-Office  to  take  up  as  much  land  as  would  make  his  tract 
square.     This  was  granted  on  condition  that  he  should  not 


24  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

disturb    the    German  settlers,  complaints  having  repeatedly 
been  made  by  them  that  he  refused  to  mark  his  line,  and  was 
constantly  changing  the  amount  of  his  grant,      When  Digges 
returned   he  told   the    Germans  that   he   had   concluded   an 
agreement  with  the  Land  Agent  at  Philadelphia,  by  which 
they  would  be  compelled  to  give  up  their  lands  to  him.     This 
caused  great  excitement.     Thomas  Cookson,  Surveyor  of  Lan- 
caster County,  was  sent  by  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  to 
adjust  the  difficulties,    but  accomplished  little  or  nothing  to- 
wards that  end.     Officers  were  sent  from  Maryland  to  make 
arrests,  but  the  settlers  resisted  them  and  swords  were  drawn 
on  both  sides.     May  10th,  1749,  the  settlers  joined  in  a  peti- 
tion to  Governor  Hamilton  of  Pennsylvania,  setting  forth  that 
Dieses  demanded  one  hundred  pounds  for    every  one   hun- 
dred  acres  of  land  they  held  under  Pennsylvania  titles.     The 
killing  of  Dudley  Digges  quieted  the  excitement  of  both  claim- 
ants and  contestants  more  than  anything  else,  and  after  that 
matters  were  more  readily  adjusted  on  both  sides.     In  Feb., 
1752,  in  an  altercation  between  a  Maryland  officer  and  his 
men  and  Martin  Kitzmiller  and  his  sons,  at  Kitzmiller's  house, 
Dudley  Digges  was  shot  by  one  of  Kitzmiller's  sons  ;  whether 
accidentally  or  purposely,  will  never  be  known,  but  Kitzmiller 
was  acquitted  at  the  trial  in  Oct.,  when  it  was  proven  that 
the  officer  had  no  warrant  and  was  in  truth  not  even  an  of- 
ficer.    Those  engaged  with  the  pretended  officer,  were  Dud- 
ley and  Henry  Digges,  sons  of  John  Digges;  John  Stackers, 
Patrick  Koyle,  John  Seyfert   and   Anthony  Worley.      The 
sentiment  of  the  people  was  against  Maryland  interference, 
and  in  full  sympathy  and  favor  with  Pennsylvania  authority. 
This  applies  particularly  to  the  Germans,  as  certain  promises 
had  induced  the  Irish  to  desire  them  dispossessed  of  the  land. 
John  Digges  was  the  father  of  Edward,  William,  Henry 
and  Dudley  Digges.     William  Digges,  who  came  to  the  col- 
onv  with  Lord  Baltimore  and  attended  him  in  several  of  his 
meetings  with  Win.  Penn,  was  doubtless  the  ancestor  of  these 
Diggeses.     John  Digges  lived  with  the  Carrolls,  and  it  was 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  25 

through  them  that  he  first  come  to  settle  the  Conewago  Val- 
ley. In  or  about  1800,  some  of  the  Diggeses  still  lived  at  St. 
Thomas,  now  in  Charles  County,  and  among  the  names  that 
appear  are  Francis,  Jane,  John  and  Henry.  Certainly  John 
Digges  and  his  family  did  not  come  alone  to  the  Conewago 
Valley,  but  no  other  names  come  down  to  us.  They  were 
Catholics.  Their  association  and  friendly  acquaintance  with 
the  Indians  show  the  work  of  the  missionaries,  and  that  where 
they  worshiped,  whether  under  the  humble  roof  of  the  settlers 
or  in  the  rude  wig-wam  of  the  Indian,  there  the  roaming 
Shawnee  emigrant  and  the  conquered  braves  of  the  northern 
tribes  also  bowed  their  knee. 

The  remains  of  Dudley  Digges  are  resting  in  the  grave  at 
Conewago.  Not  many  years  ago,  John  Aulcbaugh,  a  citizen 
of  McSherrystown,  remembered  having  heard  his  grandfather 
tell  of  the  shooting  of  Dudle}'  Digges.  He  saw  the  wounded 
man,  shot  in  the  bowels,  and  attended  his  funeral.  The  sight 
and  excitement  he  declared  could  never  be  effaced  from  his 
memory,  and  so  it  has  come  down  to  the  present  from  father 
to  son,  through  three  generations. 

Another  account  of  this  unfortunate  affair,  claims  that 
Digges  acted  upon  a  process  obtained  from  the  Court  at 
Frederick.  No  doubt  he  acted  entirely  in  the  defense  of  his 
rights  and  interest,  and  believed  he  was  pursuing  a  lawful 
course  in  reclaiming  his  property.  Circumstances  were 
against  him.  When  the  proprietors  of  Maryland  failed  to  es- 
tablish their  claim  to  the  land,  how  could  the  Diggeses  expect 
to  succeed.  The  shooting  occurred  on  the  farm  now  called 
"Carrollton,"  lately  occupied  and  owned  by  Francis  A.  Uhl. 
The  place  became  a  noted  hostelry  on  the  great  wagon  road 
from  Philadelphia  to  Frederick. 

Digges'  widow  and  two  children  remained  in  Conewaiio 
(then  Heidelberg)  township,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  south  of 
McSherrystown,  for  several  years  after  his  death,  when  they 
removed  to  Frederick  City,  where  the  widow  had  a  sister,  and 
where  she  died  in  1812.     Her  maiden  name  was  Mary  Lill}', 


2ti  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

a  daughter  of  the  first  Lilly  that  emigrated  to  these  parts,  the 
ancestor  of  the  present  Conevvago  Lillys,  whose  name  was 
Samuel,  and  who.  in  1730,  located  on  the  old  Lilly  farm,  above 
Lilly's  Mill,  now  owned  by  one  of  his  great-great-grand-sons — 
and  that  lias  been  in  the  family  ever  since,  and  where  a  woolen 
factory  was  carried  on  from  about  1730  until  about  1830,  as 
many  of  the  "  oldest  inhabitants  "  will  recollect. 


THE  CONEWAGO  VALLEY. 


The  Conewago  Valley  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  years 
ago,  was  a  dense  forest  of  oak  and  hickory  that  covered  the 
broad  plain,  and  along  the  banks  of  the  creeks  grew  the  more 
valuable  wood  and  beautiful  trees, —  the  ash,  poplar,  walnut, 
water  1  teach,  sycamore  and  willow.  Not  many  years  ago,  the 
stately  trunks  of  some  of  the  veterans  of  the  forests  stood 
along  Slagle's  Run  and  the  Conewago  and  Plum  Creeks,  sad 
and  lonely  reminders  of  the  days  when  they  were  kings  of  the 
forests.  Some  of  them  measured  over  three  feet  across  the 
stump.  The  Conewago  Valley  of  to-day  ! — look  over  it  : 
Follow  the  narrow  strip  of  woodland  from  north  to  south; 
that  marks  the  course  of  the  Little  Conewago  :  off  to  the  west, 
over  hills  and  valleys,  the  South  Mountains  limit  the  view, 
running  south  across  the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah,  north 
and  east  across  the  Susquehanna,  the  Schuylkill  and  the  Del- 
aware. In  the  south  and  the  east  the  valley  broadens  out 
along  the  shadowy  woodlands  of  my  Maryland.  Right  at 
your  back  rise  the  blue  tops  of  the  Pigeon  Hills,  that  before 
long,  alas  !  will  be  cleared  of  the  heavy  chestnut  growth  which 
is  struggling  to  get  upward.  What  else  ?  Nothing  but  broad 
tields  of  waving  grain  ;  large  barns  and  houses,  (barns 
before  houses  with  the  sturdy  sons  of  toil,)  beautiful  homes 
and  gardens, — thriving  towns  and  villages  in  every  direction. 
Everything  easy,  quiet  and  peaceful.     May  nothing  ever  mar 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  27 

its  beauty  or  blight  its  happiness. 

Hanover  is  the  central  point,  on  the  Frederick  Division 
P.  R.  W.,  the  Hanover  &  Baltimore  and  Hanover  &  Gettys- 
burg Railroads  ;  42  miles  from  Frederick,  about  50  from  Bal- 
timore and  twice  that  distance  from  Philadelphia  ;  lat.  39°  40' 
north,  long.  148u  west  of  Greenwich.  Conewago  Chapel  is  4 
miles  west  of  Hanover,  in  Conewago  Township,  Adams  Co., 
Pa.;  about  10  miles  from  Gettysburg,  the  county  seat;  7 
miles  from  Littlestown,  4  from  New  Oxford,  about  22  from 
York,  80  from  Washington,  110  from  Philadelphia;  in  lat. 
about  39°  45'  north,  long.  0°  0'  3"  west  from  Washington. - 
The  Post-Office  address  is  McSherrystown,  Adams  Co.,  Pa. 

It  is  said  that  all  the  early  attempts  at  Catholic  coloni- 
zation in  these  Provinces  have  been  failures.  How  Conewago 
could  have  been  more  successful  as  a  Catholic  settlement,  we 
cannot  easily  understand.  Conewago  Chapel  is  the  parent 
church  from  which  the  Catholic  religion  spread  over  southern 
and  western  Maryland  into  Virginia,  along  the  frontiers  of 
Pennsylvania,  into  the  very  heart  of  its  settlement,  Philadel- 
phia itself.  The  churches  at  Hanover,  Littlestown,  Taney - 
town,  Bonneauville,  Gettysburg,  Millerstown,  The  Mountain, 
Carlisle,  Harrisburg,  York,  Paradise  and  New  Oxford,  are  all 
fruits  of  the  Conewago  Missionary  labors.  The  early  Catho- 
lics, scattered  within  the  bounds  of  these  outlying  missions, 
once  looked  to  Conewago  for  all  the  spiritual  aid  they  ever 
received.  The  missionaries  in  their  long  journey  over  the 
country,  kept  no  account  of  their  labors,  and  all  that  has 
come  down  to  us  are  a  few  scraps  of  paper,  where  a  child  was 
baptized  in  the  Path  or  Cove  Valleys,  a  death-bed  attended 
along  the  South  Mountains,  or  a  sick-call  here  or  there, - 
twenty,  thirty  miles  away.  Take  the  large  and  flourishing 
congregations  at  all  these  places,  their  well-built  churches 
and  schools,  and  houses, — take  the  credit  of  all  these  away 
from  Conewago,  and  yet  there  is  left  a  successful  Catholic 
colony  of  live  thousand  souls  ;  a  line,  large  and  well-finished 
church, — Conewago   Chapel  ;  six   hundred   acres  of  the  best 


28  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

land  in  the  valley,  school  houses  and  chapels  at  every  little 
surrounding  village  ;  and  a  large  and  well-established  Convent 
School  and  Sisterhood  at  McSherrystown. 

Conewago   is  a    thoroughly    Catholic   settlement.      From 
Hanover  to  Gettysburg,  sixteen  miles  east  to  west,  half  of  the 
population  is  Catholic  ;  from  Oxford  to  Littlestown,  ten  miles 
north  to  south,  two-thirds  of  the  population  is  Catholic.     You 
can   travel   five   miles   along  any  road  within  that   distance 
from  the  Chapel,  and  meet  almost  nothing  but  Catholics. — 
There  are  Protestant  families   scattered  all  through  the  val- 
ley, but  they  do  not  make  up  one-tenth  of  its  population. — 
Though  not  belonging  to  our  church,  we  have  come  to  con- 
sider them  very  near  and  dear  to  the  household  of  faith.     All 
live  agreeably  together,  associating  and  assisting  each  other 
as  citizens,  and  taking  part  in  every  enterprise  that  concerns 
home  or  church.     The  few  Protestants  in  the  valle}^  have  al- 
ways been  good  and  liberal  neighbors  to  the  Catholic  Church. 
Mixed  marriages,  you  ask  ?  are  rare  occurrences  under  these 
circumstances.     Catholic  teachings  and  associations  are  strong, 
thanks  to  the  watchful  Fathers  of  the  church  and  the  good 
Catholic  mothers  of  the    valley.     Conewago  has    been  free 
from  all  dire  afflictions  of  Providence,  and  spared  from  all 
shame  and  disgrace  into  which  human  nature  is  so  apt  to  fall. 
Not  to  say  that  none  have  fallen  ;  no,  but  they  have  been 
quietly  helped  to  rise  again  ;  and  this  we  say,  that  in  all  the 
history  of  the  valley,  memory  can  point  to  no  serious  reflec- 
tion on  priest  or  people  ;  no  difference  or  disagreement  in  any 
work  of  the  church.     Her  record  is  fair  and  joure.     People 
who  have  always  lived  here  do  not  rightly  appreciate  the 
blessing's  of  a  Catholic  community.     It  is  easier  to  be  a  Cath- 
olic here  than  in  the  mixed  and  busy  push  of  the  towns  and 
cities.     Yet  look  at  the  work  the  struggling  Catholics  accom- 
plish alone  in  those  places, — build   churches,    support  priests 
and  schools  and  contribute  to  every  cause  of  religion.     They 
have  no  rich  establishments  of  any  order  or  society  to  build 
upon.     The  poor  are  everywhere  the  brightest  ornaments  of 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  29 

the  church.     80  at  Conewago. 

We  need  not  transport  ourselves  with  De  la  Martine 
{Flarmoitu.H  Poetiques)  to  the  neighborhood  of  some  church  in 
the  Middle  Ages,  to  "  see  the  humble  crowd  winding  its  way 
along  the  pious  path.  It  is  the  poor  orphan  who  spins  as  she 
walks  ;  it  is  the  blind  man  who  feels  his  way  with  his  stick  ; 
it  is  the  timid  beggar  whose  hand  holds  a  rosary  ;  it  is  the 
child  who  caresses  each  flower  as  he  passes  by  ;  it  is  the  old 
man  who  hastens  with  feeble  steps  ; — youth  and  age  are  the 
friends  of  God." 

In  Catholic  times  and  Catholic  countries,  of  which  Cone- 
wago reminds  us  so  much,  one  of  the  greatest  virtues  practic- 
ed was  the  education  of  the  poor  and  an  effort  to  start  them 
in  life.  The  Catholic  wealth  of  Conewago  presents  not  one 
such  instance.  The  priests  and  the  people  had  an  anxious 
care  for  the  poor — never  a  care  the  rich.  Could  only  the 
widow  and  the  orphan  speak. 

As  a  farming  country,  the  Conewago  Valley  is  one  of 
the  richest  in  the  State.  The  soil  is  the  best  quality  of  lime- 
stone land,  and  very  productive.  There  is  a  perfect  system 
in  agriculture,  and  hardly  a  foot  of  ground  that  has  not  been 
reclaimed  and  put  to  use.  The  land  tenure  is  hereditary,  and 
there  is  little  of  that  great  desire  for  change  which  has  scat- 
tered Pennsylvanians  over  every  State  in  the  Union.  The 
first  Conewago  settlers  are  represented  to-day  by  an  industri- 
ous and  well-to-do  people,  many  of  them  on  the  same  lands 
winch  their  forefathers  took  up.  Times,  and  customs,  how- 
ever, are  changing  now.  The  restless,  worldly  spirit  of  pro- 
gress and  novelty  has  entered  the  precincts  of  this  old-time 
retirement.  The  young  people  have  caught  the  spirit  of  the 
age — that  freedom  of  parental  restraint  unknown  to  their 
fathers  and  mothers,  and  show  an  unwillingness  to  follow  the 
safe  and  steady  paths  which  have  led  the  generations  beiore 
them  to  peaceful  homes  and  plenty,  and  to  old  age  crowned 
with  humble  but  virtuous  and  useful  lives.  Who  can  tell 
what  will  lie  the  result .  ?     The  good  old  missionary  Fathers, 


30  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

so  suited  to  the  times  and  the  people,  are  also  gone.  True, 
we  have  good  priests  of  modern  education  and  American 
ways,  and  perhaps  it  is  better  that  everything  moves  with  the 
times. 

One  thing  is  certain,  if  the  future  Conewago  remembers 
her  God  and  her  religion  as  faithfully  as  did  the  Conewago 
of  the  past,  there  is  no  danger,  whatever  may  happen.  The 
history  of  the  church  has  shown  that  she  is  equal  to  any 
emergency,  and  suits  herself  to  the  changes  of  time  and  cus- 
tom, to  the  revolution  of  governments,  of  nations  and  of  ages. 
She  goes  on  forever,  and  in  her  there  is  no  change  or  shadow 
of  vicissitude. 

It  is  hard  enough  for  those  who  belong  to  the  past,  and 
are  used  to  the  ways  of  ye  olden  times,  to  reconcile  themselves 
with  the  changes  of  the  quickly-passing  years.  They  may 
well  weep  with  Schiller  over  the  times  gone  by,  and  sigh  for 
the  clays  of  peace,  the  homes  of  their  fathers,  and  the  elysian 
scenes  of  their  childhood.  How  they  call  upon  Nature  to 
mourn  with  them  for  the  scenes  that  will  never  coine  again, 
and  with  their  balmy  sighing  cool  no  burning  brow; — "they 
are  gone  !  gone  !  and  may  not  return." 


EARLY  HISTORY  5E  CONEWAGO. 


There  is  nothing  striking  or  very  prominent  in  the  whole 
history  of  the  Conewago  Valley.  Entirely  an  agricultural 
country,  its  history  is  one  of  hard  labor,  economy,  peace  and 
plenty  ;  and  that  is  record  enough  for  a  plain,  virtuous  and 
law-abiding  people.  They  have  tried  to  follow  the  illustrious 
example  of  their  leaders,  the  Jesuits,  whose  greatest  deeds 
are  only  recorded  in  Heaven.  Patriotism  was  never  wanting 
in  the  valley.  The  colonial  records  and  the  archives  of  the 
State  show  that  old  Heidelberg  contributed  as  much  or  more 
than  any  of  the  other  original  townships,   when  called  upon 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  31 

in  time  of  need.  It  supplied  men  and  aid  in  the  French  and 
Indian  wars,  the  Revolution,  1812-14,  the  Mexican  war  and 
the  "  late  unpleasantness  "  as  we  call  it  further  South,  but 
known  here  as  the  Rebellion. 

The  first  claim  on  the  land  was  held  bv  the  Carrolls, 
from  Lord  Baltimore.  The  Carrolls  were  an  Irish  family, 
and  the  elder  Carroll  was  Secretary  to  Lord  Powis,  a  leading- 
minister  in  the  cabinet  of  James  II.  This  minister,  forseeing 
troublesome  times  ahead,  and  having  a  great  regard  for  the 
success  and  welfare  of  his  Secretary,  advised  him  to  go  out 
into  the  Maryland  colony.  Daniel  Carroll  with  his  father 
came  to  America  in  1G89,  acted  as  agent  for  Lord  Baltimore 
and  obtained  large  grants  of  land.  Charles  Carroll,  Sr.,  was 
born  in  1702  ;  Charles,  Jr.,  surnamed  of  Carrollton,  in  1737. 
The  "Releases"  of  the  Carrolls  to  the  lands  in  the  Cone- 
wago  Valley  extend  from  the  first  settlements  to  the  Revolu- 
tion. They  amounted  to  a  mere  form,  for  security's  sake  on 
account  of  the  title  troubles,  as  there  is  no  record  of  any 
payments  except  the  mention  of  certain  ground  rents  includ- 
ed in  the  first  sales  of  land,  which  probably  originated  with 
the  Carrolls,  descended  to  the  Diggeses  and  became  extinct 
in  the  McSherrys. 

There  must  be  some  reason  for  the  peaceful  attitude  of 
the  Indians  towards  the  Conewago  settlers.  In  the  western 
part  of  the  county  and  northward,  buildings  were  burned  by 
them,  children  abducted  and  the  settlers  murdered.  There 
is  not  a  single  instance  of  wrong  by  them  in  the  Conewago 
Valley,  except  where  in  a  state  of  intoxication  they  assaulted 
the  family  of  Adam  Forney  near  Hanover.  There  is  no  tra- 
ditional evidence  that  they  were  feared  by  the  people,  by 
whom  it  seems  they  were  regarded  as  friends.  True,  the 
western  borders  formed  a  barrier  against  Indian  raids,  and 
the  people  from  the  frontier  settlements,  in  times  of  threaten- 
ed danger  from  the  Indians,  would  flee  for  safety  almost  this 
far  into  the  interior.  There  certainly  were  Indians  through 
the  valley,  for  there  are  evidenres  to  this  day  of  their  camps 


32  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

or  villages  on  several  places  around  Conewago.  On  account 
of  the  labors  of  the  Maryland  missionaries  among  the  Indians, 
they  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  part  of  the  early  settlers, 
traveling  together  in  their  explorations  and  living  together  in 
their  settlements.  There  are  several  traditional  stories  handed 
down  of  the  "  last  Indians"  seen,  coming  to  a  house  here  or 
there  for  food,  or  to  a  blacksmith  shop  to  have  a  lame  horse 
or  pony  shod,  and  going  oft*  into  the  Pigeon  Hills  for  coal 
when  the  blacksmith  was  out  ;  but  whether  true  or  not,  we 
will  not  say.  They  left  here  like  everywhere  else,  pushed 
away  by  the  advance  of  civilization,  the  destruction  of  their 
forests,  and  the  absence  of  game,  for  even  then  1  tears  and 
deer  began  to  keep  closer  to  the  mountains.  Poor  Indians  ! 
the  last  remnant  of  them  is  crowded  to  the  oceans  wall,  and 
there  seems  to  be  no  more  room  left. 

The  early  settlement  of  the  Conewago  Valley  does  not 
differ  much  from  that  of  the  other  parts  of  the  State.  The 
people  coming  from  the  older  settlements  of  Maryland  might 
have  been  a  little  better  provided  for  than  the  poorer  emi- 
grants from  the  German  Palatinates,  the  expatriated  Irish 
and  poor  "  redemptioners."  A  few  of  the  better  class  were 
able  to  build  substantial  stone  houses  that  stood  for  a  hun- 
dred years  and  more,  but  the  most  of  them  built  very  com- 
mon log  houses.  The  settlement  almost  from  the  beginning 
was  made  up  not  only  of  farmers  but  of  different  kinds  of 
mechanics.  A  little  later,  carpet  weaving,  spinning,  woolen 
and  flax  industries,  were  very  generally  followed.  For  over 
a  hundred  years,  wagoning  was  the  great  means  by  which 
trade  was  carried  on.  Grain  and  Hour  were  taken  to  Pitts- 
burg, Baltimore  and  Philadelphia,  and  store  goods  and  what- 
ever else  was  needed,  brought  back.  In  the  proper  season, 
shad  and  other  lish  in  large  quantities  were  hauled  from  the 
iisheries  along  the  Susquehanna.  Many  a  priest  and  student 
rode  to  and  from  Conewago,  Baltimore,  Washington  and  other 
points,  with  these  old  teamsters.  Conewago  was  well  situated 
with  regard  to  the  early  modes  and   routes  of  travel.     The 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  33 

wagon  road  from  Wright's  Ferry,  on  the  Susquehanna,  to  the 
Monocacy  road  at  the  Maryland  line,  passed  through  the  val- 
ley. The  wagon  and  stage  roads  from  Philadelphia  to  Fred- 
erick and  from  Carlisle  to  Baltimore,  crossed  each  other  where 
Hanover  now  stands,  the  first  house  ol  which  was  McAllister's 
tavern,  part  of  it  standing  yet,  built  up  in  modern  walls. 

The  country  around  Hanover  was  entirely  a  German  set- 
tlement, while  the  Conewago  settlement  was  considered  Irish, 
and  many  a  good  old  time  the  two  elements  had  together.- — 
At  the  first  election  for  York  County  held  at  York  Town, 
McAllister  was  the  candidate  of  the  Germans  for  Sheriff,  and 
Hance  Hamilton  led  the  Irish.  There  was  a  general  fight ; 
the  Irish  were  routed  and  driven  from  the  polls,  but  their 
candidate  was  commissioned  by  the  Governor.  For  many 
years  a  jealous  spirit  of  rivalry  existed  between  the  two  settle- 
ments ;  which,  perhaps,  was  good  for  their  growth  and  success. 
The  upper  part  of  what  is  now  Adams  County  was  settled  by 
the  Scotch-Irish,  between  1736  and  1740.  The  Conewago 
Valley  was  settled  by  a  few  English  families  from  the  Prov- 
ince of  Lord  Baltimore,  somewhere  between  1700  and  1725, 
as  there  were  births  and  deaths  between  these  periods.  Then 
the  Irish  and  Germans  came  in  about  equal  numbers,  and 
scattered  together  from  the  "  barrens  "  all  through  the  valley, 
and  Westward,  as  one  of  the  principal  directions  emigration 
took  to  Pittsburg  and  the  western  settlements,  was  from  Con- 
ewago. English  and  German  sermons  alternated  at  Cone- 
wago up  to  1800  ;  after  that  English  took  the  lead.  Ger- 
man sermons  might  have  averaged  one  a  month  to  1850. — 
Fathers  Enders,  Deneckere  and  Manns  preached  in  German 
once  in  a  while  after  that  ;  now  German  is  not  heard,  except 
for  a  special  purpose.  The  first  English  sermons  were  preach- 
ed in  the  Protestant  churches  of  Hanover  in  1837.  The  first 
English  papers  in  Hanover  and  Gettysburg  were  started 
about  1818.  The  first  German  paper  was  started  in  Han- 
over in  1769,  and  a  German  paper  is  still  published  there. 


34  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

THE  CONEWAGO  stthb  INDIANS. 


The  name  "  Conewago  "  is  the  last  connecting  link  be- 
tween the  aborigines  of  the  valley  and  their  successors,  the 
present  American  people.  With  them  it  will  continue,  and 
may  even  exist  after  their  identity  shall  have  been  obscured 
or  lost  in  the  deepening  shadows  of  antiquity.  Like  all  other 
foreign  names  and  words,  Conewago  had  to  shape  itself  to 
English  use,  a  tendency  which  carried  everything  in  its  way. 
Later  in  the  history  of  the  language,  "young  America"  be- 
came afflicted  with  such  a  mania  for  anglicism,  that  the  names 
of  their  fathers  full  of  memory  and  meaning  were  ruthlessly 
despoiled  in  making  them  assume  an  English  garb  that  fits  in 
nothing  but  the  ridiculous.  The  Conewago  missionaries  were 
of  different  nationalities,  but  the  Latin  tongue  was  to  them  a 
common  language.  Thus  the  English  Conewago  comes  down 
to  us  from  the  Latin,  and  not  direct  from  the  Indian  term. — 
In  handling  the  German  names  in  Latin,  the  missionaries 
made  some  amusing  changes.  The  German  names  are  mostly 
derived  from  solid  words  in  that  language,  which  sound  all 
right  when  translated  into  English,  but  in  writing  them  in 
Latin  according  to  sound,  they  lose  all  significance  and  trace 
of  origin.  The  German  Koontz  is  given  the  Latin  C  in  Cunes 
and  the  English  hn  in  Kuhns.  Thus  we  could  note  many  simi- 
lar changes  had  we  the  time  to  follow  them  up. 

The  Indian  word  "  Caughnawaga  "  is  said  to  mean  "  the 
rapids."  The  Germans  pronounced  it  "  Konowago  ;"  the  Eng- 
lish and  Irish,  "  Canawaga."  The  missionaries  wrote  it  Con- 
ewago as  early  as  1740,  placing  it  in  the  third  declension. — 
Accordingly,  those  who  persist  in  using  "  Cono,"  follow  the 
German  derivation.  Conewago  is  the  correct  way  as  applied 
to  the  Chapel  or  the  Creek ;  when  meaning  the  township,  it 
may  be  claimed  that  the  rules  of  law  by  which  it  was  formed 
have  it  "Cono,"  which  is  immaterial,  as  the  name  has  but  one 
origin. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  35 

As  a  definition  of  the  word  "Caughnawaga,"  "  the  rapids  " 
was  certainly  not  applied  originally  to  the  streams  of  that 
name  in  southern  Pennsylvania.  The  Rig  Conewago  drains 
the  slope  east  of  the  Rlue  Ridge  and  flows  into  the  Susque- 
hanna. The  Little  Conewago  winds  through  the  lower  valley 
and  empties  into  the  Rig  Conewago.  It  rises  about  on  the 
dividing  line  between  the  Susquehanna  and  Potomac  drains. 
Except  when  swollen  by  heavy  rain  or  melting  snow,  neither 
of  these  creeks  can  be  called  swift  or  rapid.  Since  the  Cone- 
wago Valley  has  been  stripped  of  its  forests,  the  Little  Cone- 
wago is  narrowing  its  banks  into  a  mere  stream,  and  the  mills 
along  its  course  have  parted  with  the  old-fashioned  water 
wheels  and  put  in  turbines. 

The  original  "  Caughnawaga  "  of  the  Indians  was  a  tri- 
butary of  the  St.  Lawrence.  There  were  no  native  tribes  in 
this  part  of  Pennsylvania  ; — only  roving  bands  from  the  great 
branches  of  the  Indian  families  along  the  bays,  rivers  and 
mountains.  The  number  of  Indians  in  the  Provinces  was  not 
as  great  as  many  suppose.  The  Shawnees  were  a  "  restless 
nation  of  wanderers,"  who  inhabited  the  region  of  Kentucky. 
Ry  permission  from  the  Pennsylvania  authorities  in  1698, 
some  of  them  came  from  Carolina  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania. 
When  in  1732  the  number  of  Indian  fighting  men  was  esti- 
mated at  700,  half  of  them  were  Shawnee  emigrants.  "  So 
desolate  was  the  wilderness,"  says  Rancroft,  "  that  a  vagabond 
tribe  could  wander  undisturbed  from  Cumberland  River  to 
the  Alabama,  from  the  headwaters  of  the  Santee  to  the  Sus- 
quehanna." From  the  heart  of  the  Five  Nations  two  war- 
riors would  thread  the  wilderness  of  the  South ;  would  go 
through  the  glades  of  Pennsylvania,  the  valleys  of  Western 
Virginia,  and  steal  within  the  mountain  fastnesses  of  the  Chero- 
kees,  and  after  securing  scalps  enough  to  surprise  their  native 
village,  bound  over  the  ledges  and  hurry  home. 

If  it  is  true,  that  "  a  pious  rivalry  "  existed  between  the 
Maryland  missionaries  and  those  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  as  the 
great  American  historian  says  there  did,   there  must  have 


36  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

been  some  means  of  communication.  This  could  only  come 
through  the  Fathers  in  the  old  country,  or  by  means  of  wan- 
dering bands  of  Indians.  St.  Mary's  was  the  starting  point  of 
the  Maryland  missionaries  ;  Caughnawaga  the  "  chief  mission  " 
of  the  St.  Lawrence  Jesuits.  It  was  a  Mohawk  village  on  the 
Caughnawaga  Creek,  into  which  the  Indians  cast  the  body  of 
Father  Jogues,  after  murdering  him,  in  1646.  Goupil  and 
Lelande  met  a  similar  fate  at  Caughnawaga.  When  the  Sus- 
quehannas  poured  down  upon  the  missionary  settlements  in 
Maryland,  Father  Jogues  received  word  at  Caughnawaga  that 
one  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers  "  had  fallen  amid  his  neophytes."— 
"  At  Caughnawaga  the  faith  was  more  constantly  embraced 
than  in  any  other  part  of  the  Mohawk  country,"  and  here,  say 
the  missionaries,  we  first  saw  a  native  church  and  christian 
generosity  displayed.  From  1673,  prayers  were  said  at  this 
mission  as  regularly  as  in  any  christian  community  in  Europe. 
Fathers  Bonaface  and  De  Lamberville  labored  at  Caughawa- 
ga.  Catharine  Tegahkouita,  a  pious  and  saintly  Indian  maid- 
en, was  born  there  ;  and  the  noted  chief,  Tagannissoren,  con- 
verted. His  oratory  was  compared  to  that  of  Cicero  by 
English  writers,  and  the  king  of  France  hung  his  portrait  in 
the  galleries  of  Versailles. 

The  Maryland  Indians  consisted  of  branches  of  the  great 
Huron-Iroquois  family.  The  Susquehannas  were  the  most 
powerful,  and  among  them  the  Catholic  missionaries  began 
their  labors.  The  Five  Nations,  a  powerful  northern  confed- 
eration, had  conquered  almost  all  the  surrounding  tribes  of 
Indians.  The  Indians  in  Pennsylvania  were  all  subject  to  the 
Five  Nations.  They  seem  to  have  been  fugitives,  having  no 
settlement  of  their  own,  but  loving  their  wild  freedom,  sought 
to  keep  out  of  the  way  of  the  more  powerful  and  warlike 
tribes.  The  St.  Lawrence  Indians  were  engaged  in  many  in- 
cursions into  the  country  of  these  roving  bands,  and  the 
prisoners  they  brought  in  were  instructed  by  the  mission- 
aries and  every  effort  made  to  save  their  lives.  When  the 
Senecas  and  Ottawas  were  at  war,  Father  Freinin  instructed 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  37 

and  baptized  the  prisoners  brought  in  to  die.  Conestogues 
were  frequently  burned,  and  always  instructed  and  baptized. 
They  were  called  Gandestogues  by  the  French,  or  Andastes, 
and  were  in  all  probability  the  Susquehannas.  Father  Fre- 
min  found  some  who  were  instructed  in  Catholic  doctrine, 
and  Shea  thinks  they  might  have  been  objects  of  the  care  of 
the  Jesuits  in  Maryland.  The  Indian  missions  were  from 
time  to  time  broken  up  by  the  ceaseless  warfare  among  the 
tribes.  The  Caughnawagas  were  subject  to  the  Five  Nations, 
and  the  mission  has  almost  a  continuous  history,  down  to  the 
present  Sault  St.  Louis.  Being  thoroughly  Catholic,  (except 
in  their  murderous  wars  which  will  forever  cling  to  them,)  if 
there  ever  was  any  communication  between  the  missionaries, 
it  was  through  the  Caughnawaga  or  Susquehanna  Indians. — 
It  might  have  been  in  this  way  that  at  an  early  clay  they 
found  their  way  along  these  creeks  into  the  Maryland  mis- 
sions, and  left  their  name  to  the  valley.  Future  researches 
in  the  line  of  the  St.  Lawrence  missions,  and  the  older  Cath- 
olic settlements  of  Maryland, —  St.  Mary's,  St.  Inigoes,  St. 
Thomas  Manor,  Newtown,  Port  Tobacco,  "  Hickory  "  in  Har- 
fort  County, — will  throw  additional  light  upon  the  Caughna- 
waga  of  the  Indians. 


THE  FIRST  PLACE  OF  WORSHIP. 

The  course  of  new  settlements  is  everywhere  and  at  all 
times  the  same.  First  a  few  pioneer  families  build  their 
humble  homes  and  lay  the  foundation  for  others  to  follow. — 
Then  arises  the  demand  for  business  and  professions,  churches 
and  schools.  The  local  history  of  the  Catholic  church  invari- 
ably finds  the  priest  saying  mass  in  a  room  of  some  of  the  few 
Catholic  families,  wdiose  spiritual  wants  bring  him  among 
them.     Thus  was  the  Catholic  religion  introduced  into  the 


38  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Gonewago  Valley.  The  present  Conewago  Chapel  stands  on 
high  ground,  on  one  of  the  many  little  spurs  that  follow  the 
Blue  Ridge  range,  of  which  the  Pigeon  Hills  is  the  largest, 
and  the  last  to  the  eastward  from  the  mountains,  about  two 
miles  from  the  chapel.  Beyond  that  the  "  barrens  "  set  in, 
extending  southward  with  the  valley  into  Maryland.  Similar 
hills,  valleys  and  lowlands  are  found  across  the  river  in  Lan- 
caster County.  The  Little  Conewago  and  the  Plum  Creek 
come  together  along  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  which  Conewago 
Chapel  is  built,  the  former  from  a  direction  due  South,  the 
latter  a  little  to  the  East.  The  meadow  land  along  these 
streams  was  grown  up  with  dense  underbrush  and  trees,  and 
received  its  name  from  the  man  who  farmed  the  church  land, 
known  from  1830  as  "  Will's  Bottom,"  and  now  as  "  Devine's." 
The  land  had  been  cleared  and  cultivated  under  Father  I)e- 
Barth,  but  suffered  to  go  to  waste  again  after  him,  until  Father 
Enders  had  it  given  out  to  be  cleared,  drained  and  farmed. 
The  present  site  of  Conewago  Chapel  has  been  used  for  church 
purposes  since  1740.  This  valley  is  the  oldest  settlement  in 
the  county,  and  here  also  is  the  oldest  place  of  religious  wor- 
ship. The  first  Kreutz  Church  settlers,  near  Littlestown,  came 
in  1734,  and  organized  their  church  in  1747.  The  Marsh 
Creek  and  Great  Conewago  Churches  date  from  1740  ;  the 
Bermudian  Churches  from  1747,  and  Christ  Church,  Hunting- 
ton, from  about  1750. 

Settlers  from  Lord  Baltimore's  Province  pushed  north- 
ward through  Baltimore  County,  and  reached  the  Codorus 
almost  as  early  as  1700.  Rupp's  researches  through  these 
parts  of  Pennsylvania,  Glossbrenner  &  Carter's  Histoiw  of 
York  County,  Smith's  Annals  of  Hanover  and  History  of  York 
County,  all  give  from  1710  to  1720  as  the  time  when  this 
valley,  the  barrens  and  the  land  along  the  Codorus  to  the 
river,  were  settled  by  the  Marylanders.  Many  of  the  Main- 
land settlers  were  Catholics,  while  the  most  of  those  who 
came  into  the  valley  from  the  East  of  the  river,  before  1750. 
were  Protestants.     They  settled  the  surrounding  country,  and 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  39 

the  fad  that  only  a  few  Protestant  families  secured  land  in 
the  Conewago  settlement  would  go  to  show  earlier  Catholic 
claims.  Digges'  grant  of  1727  was  given  conditionally,  for 
vacant  land  only,  and  improved  land  was  particularly  except- 
ed. This  he  plainly  disregarded,  since  from  the  moment  lie 
attempted  to  locate  his  choice  in  the  valley,  he  was  met  with 
opposition  ;  and  that  must  have  come  from  those  who  had 
previously  located  there,  though  they  may  have  had  no  right 
from  either  Province,  until  Digges'  effort  to  take  their  land 
made  them  apply  to  the  Maryland  or  Pennsylvania  proprie- 
taries for  patents,  and  appeal  to  both  for  protection  of  their 
claims.  That  part  of  Digges'  Choice  to  the  west  of  the  Little 
Conewago,  was  left  out  of  his  re-survey  without  an  effort  to 
enforce  his  claim,  and  his  strongest  efforts  in  the  contest  were 
made  for  the  lands  farther  south,  near  the  disputed  boundary 
line  ;  so  that  he  left  Conewago  undisturbed,  probably  because 
"  the  improvements  "  had  gone  too  far  before  his  grant  was 
taken  up.  Patrick  McSherry  had  a  large  tract  of  land,  cov- 
ering all  the  ground  around  McSherrystown,  and  taking  in 
the  present  lands  owned  or  occupied  by  Sunday,  Geisleman, 
McSherry  and  Croninger.  He  had  a  title  from  the  Diggeses, 
but  he  also  had  patents  from  both  Provinces  and  a  release 
from  the  Carrolls.  The  earliest  Protestant  families  adjoining 
the  Chapel,  were  the  Schreivers  and  the  Slagles.  Ludwig 
Schreiver  held  the  land  immediately  to  the  west  of  the  Cone- 
wago settlement  proper,  under  Lord  Baltimore's  patent  dated 
November,  1735.  He  built  a  mill  near  where  O'Bold's  now 
stands.  The  McCrearys  at  a  later  date  were  Protestant 
neighbors,  John  and  David  purchasing  four  tracts  from  Pat- 
rick and  Catharine  McSherry,  March  15th,  1795,  now  adjoin- 
ing the  O'Bold  mill  property  on  the  west.  Christopher  Slagle 
settled  in  Berwick  Township,  on  Slagle's  Run,  adjoining  the 
Chapel  land  on  the  north,  in  1737.  Slagle's  Run  must  have 
been  the  dividing  line  between  Berwick,  Heidelberg  and  Man- 
heim  Townships.  Henry  Slagle.  one  of  his  sons,  was  a  very 
prominent  and  useful  man,  occupying  public  positious  until  his 


40  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

death  about  1802.  The  Slagles  were  farmers,  millers  and 
carpenters.  One  of  the  Slagles  built  Conewago  Chapel  in 
17SG-7,  and  when  the  church  was  enlarged  in  1850,  he  used 
to  come  and  watch  the  work,  too  old  to  do  anything,  while 
one  of  his  sons  was  working  there  at  the  trade,  to  the  best  of 
our  information  as  the  contractor.  Many  of  the  old  deeds  in 
the  valley  are  in  the  hand-writing  of  Henry  Slagle.  He  must 
have  been  very  popular  with  the  Catholics,  as  the  many  offi- 
ces he  held  attest.  Another  Protestant  family  adjoining  the 
church  more  to  the  east,  was  the  Keagys.  Jacob  Keagy  set- 
tled on  part  of  the  Manor  of  Maske  in  1752.  The  land  in  the 
possession  of  these  older  Protestant  families,  like  that  of  the 
Oatholics,  hardly  ever  went  out  of  their  hands.  These  Pro- 
testants among  a  few  others  whose  names  have  not  come  down 
to  us,  were  good  neighbors  to  the  church,  and  when  a  little 
after  the  Revolution  the  present  large  stone  building  was 
erected,  they  gave  their  teams  and  lent  their  aid  in  what  was 
then  an  important  undertaking.  These  actions  show  their 
good  will  towards  us,  and  we  make  this  in  acknowledgment 
of  our  respect  for  them. 

We  cannot  trace  all  the  early  Catholic  settlers.  Many 
of  their  families  have  long  since  died  out ;  and  others  were 
among  the  emigrants  that  drifted  westward  with  the  ever- 
flowing  tide  from  here.  Their  descendants  can  be  found  to 
this  day  along  the  mountains  and  through  the  valleys  of  west- 
ern Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia.  They  were  the 
Catholic  pioneers  of  those  places.  By  1730,  there  must  have 
been  twenty-five  Catholic  families  scattered  through  this  part 
of  the  Provinces.  The  records  on  the  oldest  tombstones  part- 
ly preserved,  show  births  as  early  as  1G96  and  the  earliest 
death  in  1725.  They  may  have  belonged  to  the  older  Mary- 
land settlements. 

Just  as  difficult  is  it  to  trace  the  first  missionary  labors 
in  this  mission.  It  is  the  gate  which  opened  the  route  of 
travel  for  the  missionaries  into  Pennsylvania,  between  Mary- 
land and  New  York.     There  is  a  vague  tradition,  with  hardly 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  41 

ground  enough  to  record  it,  that  the  Jesuits  were  not  the  first 
priests  to  penetrate  the  forests  of  southern  Pennsylvania. — 
The  Franciscans,  at  an  early  period,  and  for  a  short  time,  had 
charge  of  the  Maryland  missions.  The  Recollects  were  with 
the  French  on  the  western  frontier,  but  hardly  early  enough 
to  antedate  the  Jesuits.  The  earliest  missionary  labor  was 
among  the  Indians.  Through  here,  on  into  Maryland,  the 
Indians  were  more  or  less  connected  with  the  northern  tribes 
among  which  the  Jesuits  were  most  successful  at  a  very  early 
date.  Conewago  was  within  twenty-five  and  fifty  miles  of 
some  of  the  oldest  Maryland  missions  ;  and  the  Indians  through 
here  being  wandering  subjects  to  other  nations,  probably  hav- 
ing some  knowledge  and  instruction  from  the  St.  Lawrence 
missions,  the  Maryland  missionaries  were  almost  sure  to  find 
their  way  among  them.  This  valley  is  on  the  direct  route 
between  Maryland,  Philadelphia  and  the  north.  The  earliest 
connection  and  communication  came  through  here. 

The  accounts  of  the  early  missionary  labors  in  the  Prov- 
inces are  very  meagre.  We  do  not  know  what  may  be  pre- 
served in  the  archives  of  the  Society  of  Jesus. 

Upon  the  best  authority  it  may  be  stated  that  the  Fran- 
ciscans, Revs.  Polycarp  Wicksted  and  James  Haddock,  did 
some  missionary  work  through  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland. 
The  Franciscans  were  sent  into  Maryland  by  the  Propaganda, 
but  abandoned  the  mission  about  1673-5.  Rev.  Basil Hobard 
died  in  Maryland  in  1098,  and  Rev.  James  Haddock  dabored 
there  as  early  as  1700,  and  died  before  1720. 

The  Jesuits,  Revs.  Thos.  Harvey,  Henry  Harrison  and 
Charles  Cage  were  in  New  York  before  1700.  Rev.  Thos. 
Harvey  was  in  Maryland  in  1G93,  and  died  there  in  1719, 
aged  84.  Martin  I.  J.  Griffin,  Esq.,  who  is  so  successfully 
rescuing  the  Catholic  history  of  Philadelphia  from  oblivion, 
believes  that  Thos.  Harvey  is  the  priest  spoken  of  in  The  Re- 
cords of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  (by  Henry  Foley,  S.  J.,  Vol.  III., 
p.  354,)  as  having  "  t raveled  on  foot  "  from  new  York  to  Mary- 
land, after  the  suppression  of  Catholics  in  New  York  in  1690. 


42  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

In  the  will  of  Peter  Debuc,  who  died  in  Philadelphia  in 
1G93,  there  is  a  bequest  of  fifty  pounds  to  ;<  Father  Smith, 
now  or  late  of  Talbot  Co.,  Md."  It  is  the  belief  of  several 
Catholic  writers  that  "Father  Smith"  was  no  other  than  Rev. 
Henry  Harrison.  In  the  early  history  of  this  country,  priests 
were  often  compelled  to  travel  under  assumed  names  and  in 
various  disguises. 

It  has  been  asserted  that  Mass  was  celebrated  in  Phila- 
delphia before  1700,  but  Mr.  Griffin  has  made  close  research 
and  does  not  repeat  the  claim.  Mass  was  celebrated  there  as 
early  as  1708,  probably  by  one  of  the  fathers  we  have  just 
mentioned. 

The  records  of  the  English  Province  of  the  Society  of 
Jesus  say  that  Catholicity  was  introduced  into  Pennsylvania 
"  about  the  year  1720,"  by  Rev.  F.  Greaton  and  others.  This 
declaration  is  repeated  in  two  places  in  the  Laity's  Directory 
for  1822.  Father  Greaton  was  born  in  1680,  entered  the 
Society  of  Jesus  July  Gth,  1708  ;  was  ordained  and  came  into 
the  Province  of  Maryland  in  1719.  His  starting  point  most 
likely  was  old  St.  Inigoes.  Rev.  Thos.  Harvey  died  in  Mary- 
land in  1719,  and  probably  Father  Greaton  took  up  the  work 
where  he  left  oil'.  He  built  the  first  church  in  Philadelphia 
in  1732,  and  labored  there  until  1750,  being  Superior  of  the 
Missions  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  which  were  associat- 
ed together.  In  1750  he  was  recalled  to  Maryland,  and  died 
at  Bohemia  in  1752  or  1753. 

If  Catholicity  was  introduced  into  Pennsylvania  about 
1720,  Conewaga  was  the  place.  Resides  the  Indians  who 
were  friendly  to  the  Catholics,  there  were  births,  deaths  and 
marriages  among  Catholics  in  this  settlement  between  1720 
and  1730.     If  there  was  a  priest  in  the  country  he  was  here. 

Many  people  place  little  confidence  in  tradition,  but  have 
we  not  our  faith  from  tradition,  as  Jesus  taught  and  the 
Apostles  preached  ? 

Samuel  Lilly  landed  at  Chester  before  1730,  and  in  that 
year  removed  to  Conewago  where  he  had  heard  the  Jesuits 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  43 

had  a  settlement  for  some  time.  There  was  no  church  or 
priest  at  Chester,  and  for  that  reason  he  came  to  Conewago, 
where  there  were  Catholics  and  where  he  could  practice  his 
religion.  He  was  born  in  1G99,  died  in  1758,  and  is  buried 
in  the  family  lot  in  Conewago  Cemetery.  Miss  Sally  Lilly, 
born  in  1800.  and  living  yet,  is  one  of  his  descendants.  Be- 
sides her  memory,  which  is  clear  and  distinct,  there  is  a  record 
of  the  Lilly  family  preserved,  so  that  we  are  not  depending 
upon  tradition  to  establish  the  fact  that  the  Jesuits  had  "  a 
settlement"  here  before  1730. 

As  an  example  of  what  tradition  says  upon  this  question, 
we  take  the  testimony  of  Peter  Smith,  Esq.,  which  we  regard 
as  equally  important  with  the  Lilly  evidence.  Peter  Smith 
was  a  descendant  of  the  earliest  German  settlers, —  a  very  in- 
telligent gentleman,  a  pious  and  practical  Catholic  and  good 
citizen.  He  was  born  in  1794;  died  April  9th,  1884.  He 
was  baptized  by  Father  Pellentz,  and  enjoyed  a  personal  ac- 
quaintance and  friendship  with  Fathers  Gallitzin,  De  Barth 
and  Lekeu.  One  of  his  daughters,  Anastasia,  is  Sister  De 
Sales,  of  St.  Joseph's.  McSherrystown.  His  earliest  recollec- 
tion was  hearing  it  said  that  Father  Josiah  Creighton  passed 
through  the  Conewago  settlement  in  1720,  on  his  way  to 
Philadelphia,  dressed  like  a  Quaker.  Such  intelligence  could 
not  have  been  derived  from  books,  but  is  one  of  those  tradi- 
tional reminiscences  repeated  from  time  to  time,  and  as  a 
fragment  of  the  past,  is  handed  down  through  the  centuries. 
It  will  outlast  this  print  itself. 

Among  those  who  came  to  the  settlement  with  the  Dig- 
geses,  was  Robert  Owings,  a  surveyor.  He  was  born  in  1G92 
and  died  in  1759.  He  had  a  grant  of  five  hundred  acres,  call- 
ed Bear  Garden,  by  letters  patent,  dated  Oct.  8th,  1733,  from 
"  The  Right  Honourable,  Charles,  Lord  Baron  of  Baltimore, 
and  Avalon,"  &c,  "  under  the  great  seal  of  said  Province." — 
This  tract  bordered  on  Slagle's  Run  and  the  Little  Conewago, 
and  extended  eastward,  now  three  farms  in  possession  of  the 
Sneeringers.     In  the  centre  of  the  tract,  on  a  slight  elevation, 


44  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

was  the  colonial  homestead  of  Robert  0 wings,  Esq.  It  is  a 
sacred  place.  There  the  first  Mass  was  said,  religious  instruc- 
tion given,  and  the  rites  of  the  church  performed.  In  a  Cath- 
olic Province  and  a  Catholic  settlement,  Catholics  thus  escap- 
ed the  severity  of  the  existing  penal  laws.  There  also  was  the 
first  burying  ground.  It  continued  to  be  used  for  church 
purposes  until  the  log  church  was  built  in  1740  or  1741,  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  southward,  on  a  higher  elevation,  now  oc- 
cupied by  the  Chapel  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  We  never  look 
over  this  sacred  ground,  hallowed  by  ages  and  consecrated 
by  memory  and  associations,  without  being  almost  moved  to 
tears.  When  the  ancient  forests  yet  covered  the  present  site 
of  Conewago  Chapel,  the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  being  offered  on 
this  sacred  spot,  and  the  Red  Man  there  stood  in  awe  and  ad- 
miration of  ceremonies  more  solemn  than  he  had  ever  seen 
in  his  own  native  solitude.  A  mysterious  holiness  surrounds 
the  place.  Nobility  itself  may  there  await  the  call  of  the 
great  King  of  the  Universe,  and  consecrated  hands  there  be 
folded  away  in  the  dust  of  ages. 

Rest  in  peace,  0  Indian  Warrior  !  hidden  foe  never  more 
will  seek  thee  ;  thy  warfare  over,  thy  forests  gone,  thy  sons 
no  more, — no  trace  of  chief  or  brave  is  left ! 

Eternal  rest,  poor  pilgrim  you  !  No  father's  dust  is  min- 
gled with  your  own  ;  no  aged  mother  slumbers  by  your  lonely 
side  ;  far  off  your  native  land — dim  its  sacred  memory, — lost, 
unknown,  forgotten,  where  old  ocean  rolls  along  the  sands  of 
Time !  0  sweetly  sleep,  your  work  is  done,  your  fields  are 
oTeen, — in  peace  your  homes  are  blessed,  and  happy  children 
play  where  first  to  its  mother's  breast  your  darling  babe  was 
pressed,  and  fondly  lisped  your  own — a  dear  father's  name  ! 

0  faithful  shepherd,  reign  thou  forever  with  the  Keeper 
of  the  ransomed  fold  ;  joys  divine  be  ever  thine  ;  heavenly 
peace  and  rest  where  no  lambs  stray  and  dangers  threaten 
not  the  flock.  Long  since  thy  sheep  were  found,  were 
sheltered,  saved  !  Upon  us,  weary  wanderers,  look  clown  !  re- 
member !  pray  ! 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  45 

THE   LOG   CHURCH   BUILT. 

Father  Greaton  was  Superior  of  the  Missions  in  Penn- 
sylvania until  1750,  with  three  Fathers  assisting  him.  Rev. 
Robert  Harding,  S.  J.,  came  to  this  county  in  1732,  and 
labored  through  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  and  succeeded 
Father  Greaton.  Rev.  Henry  Neale,  S.  J.,  was  one  of  Father 
Greaton's  assistants,  dying  at  St.  Joseph's,  Philadelphia,  in 
1748.  Up  to  1740,  Conewago  was  not  regularly  visited  by 
any  priest,  but  from  time  to  time  by  the  several  priests  on 
the  missions  in  both  Provinces.  When  the  Germans  settled 
the  valley  around  Littlestown  in  1734  and  1735,  they  passed 
a  "Mass-house"  near  a  dense  swamp,  through  which  they 
made  their  way,  and  where  their  tracks  could  be  seen  long 
afterwards.  Rev.  John  Ault,  a  late  pastor  of  the  Kreutz- 
Kirche  congregation,  wrote  a  full  history  of  that  settlement, 
in  which  he  says  that  the  Irish  were  not  pleased  because  the 
Germans  settled  so  near  them  in  the  valley.  This  feeling 
between  the  two  elements  in  the  valley  did  not  come  from 
religion  or  nationality,  but  arose  from  Digges'  trouble  with 
the  settlers  regarding  the  titles  to  their  land. 

At  what  time  and  under  whom  Conewago  first  became 
a  Maryland  mission,  cannot  be  ascertained  until  the  history 
of  the  older  Maryland  missions  is  written.  According  to^ 
what  little  knowledge  we  have  of  these,  it  is  safe  to  say  that 
Conewago  was  attended  about  once  a  month  from  a  place  in 
Harford  County,  Md.,  now  or  lately  called  "  Hickory.7'  How 
long  such  attendance  dates  before  1740,  we  are  unable  to 
say.  If  the  Jesuits  had  any  grant  of  land  from  Lord  Balti- 
more, as  is  the  common  belief,  it  was  made  to  these  mission- 
aries through  their  Superior.  We  would  rather  think  that 
the  first  grant  of  land  at  Conewago  was  made  through  the 
Carrolls  ;  that-  the  greater  portion  was  obtained  from  John 
Digges,  and  about  one  hundred  acres  at  a  much  later  period 
from   Patrick   McSTierry.     Not  being  able  to  see  any   of  the 


40  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

deeds  to  these  lands,  we  are  not  prepared  to  state  the  num- 
ber of  acres  held,  but  it  is  generally  placed  somewhere  about 
five  hundred,  now  divided  off  into  three  fine  farms. 

The  Germans  began  to  push  across  the  Susquehanna  as 
early  as  1730,  and  by  1740  there  were  a  number  of  German 
families  in  the  Conewago  settlement,  and  a  few  scattered 
here  and  there  in  all  the  surrounding  country.  Among  these 
people,  two  German  Fathers  were  sent  to  labor.  Rev.  Theo. 
Schneider,  S.  J.,  a  Bavarian,  built  the  first  church  at  Goshen- 
hoppen,  soon  after  1740.  He  was  born  in  1703,  and  entered 
the  Society  in  1721.  Rev.  Wm.  Wapeler,  S.  J.,  built  the  log- 
church  at  Conewago  in  1741,  as  near  as  can  be  ascertained. 
These  men  were  "full  of  Zealand  prudence."  Father  Wape- 
ler was  born  in  Westphalia,  Jan.  22d,  1711,  and  entered  the 
Society  in  1728.  Bishop  Carroll  says  he  converted  and  re- 
claimed many  to  the  faith  of  Christ,  during  the  eight  years 
he  remained  in  America.  Bad  health  compelled  him  to  re- 
turn to  Europe.  He  died  at  Bruges  in  1781.  The  log  church 
of  Father  Wapeler's  time  was  built  so  as  to  appear  as  a  pri- 
vate dwelling,  so  as  not  to  be  an  open  violation  of  the  string- 
ent penal  laws  then  existing  in  the  colonies, — the  "best 
contrivances  ever  devised  by  the  perverted  ingenuity  of 
man,  for  the  degradation  of  the  human  soul  and  intellect." 
Thus  Catholics  were  permitted  to  worship,  not  by  the  laws, 
« but  by  public  sentiment,  which  thus  confessed  its  shame  for 
the  intolerant  spirit  of  the  mother  country  and  its  established 
church.  Churches  so  built  were  called  "Mass-houses,"  rather 
from  suspicion  than  from  public  knowledge.  The  church  at 
Conewago  had  three  rooms,  one  in  which  services  were  held 
and  two  that  were  used  for  household  purposes.  Imagina- 
tion can  hardly  picture  the  poverty  of  this  humble  place  of 
worship.  Being  a  Catholic  settlement,  with  friendly  Protest- 
ant neighbors,  there  is  no  record  of  Catholics  ever  having 
been  disturbed.  Father  Wapeler  had  purchased  land  for  a 
church  at  Lancaster  at  the  same  time,  but  in  consequence  of 
fears  of  a  war  with  France,  he  became  an'  object  of  suspicion, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  47 

and   the  matter  .having  been  brought  before  the  Council   by 
Gov.  Cordon,  it  was  abandoned  for  the  time. 


FIRST   RESIDENT   PRIEST. 


About  this  period,  1750,  the  missions  in  Pennsylvania 
were  just  becoming  established  and  their  organization  was 
assuming  definite  shape.  This  was  probably  the  most  trouble- 
some time  for  the  church.  Catholics  were  increasing  in  num- 
ber, and  scattering  wherever  new  settlements  were  being 
formed.  The  missionaries  were  few,  in  a  strange  country  and 
climate; — and  these  few  mostly  old  and  worn  out.  Means 
were  wanting  to  carry  on  the  work  of  building  churches  and 
pushing  the  missionary  labor.  It  is  said  that  up  to  the  Revo- 
lution, only  the  churches  in  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia  wore 
able  to  make  any  contributions.  Aid  was  extended  through 
the  Society  in  London,  and  some  contributions  to  the  mission- 
ary cause  may  have  come  from  charitable  individuals  in 
Europe.  The  only  record  we  have  of  this,  is  the  report  of 
Rev.  George  Hunter,  Superior  of  the  Jesuits,  forwarded  to 
Rev.  J.  Dennett  in  England,  Provincial,  in  1765.  Conewago 
is  called  the  mission  of  St.  Francis  Regis,  with  an  annual  in- 
come from  the  missionary  plantation  of  twenty  pounds,  and 
twenty  pounds  more  as  aid  from  London.  How  long  this  aid 
was  received,  we  have  no  way  of  ascertaining. 

The  unsettled  condition  of  the  country,  the  Indian 
troubles  and  the  difficulties  between  the  French  and  English 
regarding  their  possessions  in  the  new  world,  all  worked 
against  the  success  of  the  missions.  The  Catholics  suffered  a 
great  deal  because  of  their  friendship  for  the  French.  The 
suspicions  of  the  English  were  unfounded,  and  the  colonies 
never  found    truer    friends    than    the    Catholics.     War    was 


48  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

formally  declared  between  the  French  and  English  in  May, 
1756.  About  this  time  it  was  alleged  the  French  sent  emis- 
saries through  York  and  adjacent  counties,  to  incite  the 
Catholics  to  rise  against  their  Protestant  neighbors.  If  such 
an  effort  was  made,  it  failed.  The  local  histories  here  assert 
that  five  Swiss  Catholic  families  joined  the  French,  but  it  is 
not  likely  that  the}'  were  impelled  by  such  motives.  They 
ma}7  have  had  friends  or  relatives  among  the  FYench,  and 
moved  with  them  into  the  far  western  settlement  where  the 
French  had  their  headquarters. 

The  Pennsylvania  Archives  give  an  account  of  an  exam- 
ination by  the  authorities,  who  were  suspicious  that  the 
Catholics  in  these  missions  might  aid  the  French.  Win. 
Johnston  was  examined,  and  testified  that  he  came  from 
Naaman's  Creek,  on  the  Delaware  River,  to  Baltimore  Coun- 
ty, Md.,  where  he  was  sometime  engaged  in  the  service  of 
Thomas  Burgons  and  others,  and  attended  at  "  Priest  Neale's 
Mass-House."  Father  Neale  was  suspected  of  advocating  the 
cause  of  the  French  against  the  English.  When  the  struggle 
for  Independence  came,  priests  and  peojole  were  among  the 
first  to  sacrifice  their  lives  and  their  property  for  the  cause. 
It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  state  that  Thos.  Burgons  allud- 
ed to  in  Win.  Johnston's  examination,  was  no  doubt  the 
Burgoons  family  which  at  a  later  day  Father  Gallitzin  rode 
many  miles  to  visit  in  their  sickness,  an  account  of  which  his 
biographers  give. 

From  a  return  made  to  Lord  Louden,  Commander  of 
the  British,  April  29th,  1757,  it  appears  that  the  number  of 
Catholics  in  York  County,  such  as  received  the  sacraments, 
under  the  care  of  Matthias  Manners,  was  116  Germans  and 
73  Irish.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  how  near  correct  this  esti- 
mate was,  but  it  is  safe  to  say  that  it  did  not  take  in  all  the 
Catholics  scattered  through  this  section  of  the  Provinces. 
The  same  enumeration  gives  the  number  of  Catholics  about 
Philadelphia  and  in  Chester  County,  under  Rev.  Robert 
Harding  ;  those  in  Philadelphia  County,  Berks,  Northampton. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  49 

Bucks  and  Chester  Counties,  under  Rev.  Theodore  Schneider; 
and  under  Rev.  Ferdinand  Farmer  (Steinmeyer)  in  Lancaster, 
Berks.  Chester  and  Cumberland  Counties, — in  all  1365. — 
Cumberland  County  extended  from  the  Susquehanna  to  what 
is  now  the  border  line  between  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania, 
and  Father  Farmer  journeyed  in  his  missionary  labors  through 
all  this  section  and  the  State,  into  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 
He  was  an  untiring  laborer.  He  came  to  Philadelphia  in 
1758,  and  died  there  in  1786. 

Of  Father  Manners  we  know  very  little.  He  was  the 
first  priest  stationed  atConewago,  and  his  missionary  held  was 
large,  taking  in  all  this  section  of  the  States  and  extending 
westward  along  the  mountains  into  Virginia.  We  do  not 
know  when  he  first  came  here,  but  he  must  have  ministered 
on  this  mission  up  to  1758.  It  is  said  he  was  "a  great  man," 
and  acted  in  the  capacity  of  Provincial,  but  under  what  con- 
ditions and  circumstances  in  the  state  the  Society  was  in,  we 
are  not  able  to  say.  If  even  he  was  only  Superior,  there  is 
no  record  to  show  who  were  his  co-laborers.  His  proper  name 
was  Sittensperger.  Why  he  officiated  under  an  assumed  name 
does  not  appear,  but  it  might  have  been  to  avoid  the  inter- 
ference of  friends  in  the  old  country,  who  might  have  been 
opposed  to  his  conversion,  or  perversion  in  their  estimation,  as 
we  learn  from  the  similar  experience  of  other  priests.  At 
that  time  it  was  customary  in  both  countries  to  translate 
proper  names  into  the  language  of  the  country  of  adoption  ; 
and  as  Sitten  in  German  is  equivalent  to  Manners  in  English, 
Father  Sittensperger  may  have  thought  it  both  mannerly  as 
well  as  customary  to  Anglicize  his  name.  That  there  was  a 
graver  cause  than  this,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe.  At 
home  at  Conewago  among  his  friends  and  those  of  the  faith, 
he  may  have  been  known  as  Father  Sittensperger,  S.  J. ;  but 
on  his  travels  among  strangers  he  was  doubtlessly  only  recog- 
nized as  Mr.  Manners,  a  gentleman  traveling  for  some  purpose 
or  other,  except  to  the  few  Catholics  he  met,  who  knew  him 
as  a  Catholic  priest.  Those  were  not  halcyon  days  for  the 
poor  Catholic  priests  or  people. 


f>0  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 


THE  LOG  CHURCH  ENLARGED. 


Since  writing  the  last  few  chapters,  we  have  discovered 
that  Father  Neale  took  up  a  tract  of  land  at  Conewago.  in  his 
name.  Rev.  Henry  Neale  was  an  English  Jesuit,  arriving  in 
this  country  in  1740,  and  doing  missionary  work  as  assistant 
to  Father  Greaton,  of  St.  Joseph's,  Philadelphia.  In  1747, 
he  took  up  121  acres  at  Goshenhoppen,  Berks  County.  He 
died  in  1748,  and  was  buried  near  the  church  in  Philadelphia. 
This  tract,  no  doubt,  is  the  large  body  of  land  now  held  by 
the  Society,  and  was  then  part  of  Digges'  Choice. 

Up  to  the  Revolution  the  church  had  no  head  or  organi- 
zation in  this  country.  The  Jesuits  were  the  principal  mis- 
sionary workers  in  the  eastern  States.  The  Society  was  being 
persecuted  in  Europe,  and  was  eventually  suppressed,  in  1773, 
though  it  was  an  act  of  compulsion,  never  carried  out  except 
in  appearance  as  a  matter  of  policy.  The  members  of  the 
Society  in  this  country  continued  to  live  and  labor  under  their 
rules,  as  the  troublesome  circumstances  would  best  permit. — 
They  were  governed  by  the  representative  of  the  Superior  of 
the  Society  who  resided  in  London.  The  Provincial  or  rep- 
resentative so  appointed  resided  at  St.  Thomas'  Mission,  near 
Port  Tobacco,  in  Maryland,  still  the  residence  of  the  Superiors, 
or  so  at  least  up  to  the  recent  formation  of  the  tri-State  pro- 
vince of  Maryland,  Pennsylvania  and  New  York.  We  do  not 
know  that  there  is  any  record,  giving  the  names  and  dates  of 
appointment  of  the  first  Superiors  in  this  country.  Probably 
Rev.  John  Williams,  an  English  Jesuit,  was  Superior  as  early 
as  17G3  ;  Father  John  or  George  Hunter  as  early  as  1765,  and 
Superior  and  Vicar-General  in  1794,  according  to  Scharff. — 
Father  John  Lewis  was  Superior  some  time  during  the  revo- 
lutionary period.  As  we  have  said  before,  there  seems  to  be 
no  definite  record  of  the  early  missionary  priests.  Baltimore 
itself  was  only  a  station  before  the  Revolution,  supplied  once 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  51 

a  month  from  White  Marsh.  When  we  compare  the  church 
to  day  with  the  missionary  field  at  that  time,  we  are  astonish- 
ed at  the  labor  they  performed  and  the  hardships  and  incon- 
veniences they  underwent.  Now  the  church  has  Bishops  and 
Archbishops,  a  Cardinal ;  thousands  of  churches  and  priests ; 
colleges,  seminaries  and  religious  institutions,  and  all  the  com- 
forts and  conveniences  of  a  progressive  age  and  of  a  powerful 
country.  The  poor  missionaries  left  their  homes  and  were 
driven  from  their  country  ;  they  came  into  the  new  settle- 
ments, strangers  among  strangers,  without  any  churches  or 
congregations  or  friends,  looked  upon  with  suspicion  by  the 
people  and  hampered  and  persecuted  by  the  laws ;  but  they 
held  their  ground,  performed  a  noble  work  in  guarding  the 
infant  church  and  building  up  what  is  now  the  mightiest  re- 
ligious structure  in  America.  May  the  church  never  forget 
her  founders, — the  poor,  scattered  Catholics,  and  the  daring, 
persevering  missionaries.  They  lived,  labored  and  died  for 
the  faith.  All  honor  to  them,  and  may  God  increase  their 
reward  for  all  the  ages  of  eternity.  How  much  we  have  !  how 
little  we  do!  How  little  they  had;  yet  what  wonders  did 
they  not  accomplish. 

In  1758,  June  9th,  four  priests  arrived  in  the  Maryland 
missions  from  England.  They  were  James  Frombach,  James 
Pellentz,  John  Williams,  but  who  the  fourth  was  we  are  not 
certain.  Father  Christopher  Andrews  lived  with  Father  Pel- 
lentz for  nearly  forty  years,  "  a  faithful  servant,"  and  died  at 
Conewago  Nov.  2d,  1799,  at  the  age  of  nearly  one  hundred 
years.  We  may  suppose  that  he  was  one  of  the  company  of 
four,  but  are  not  certain.  Father  Frombach  succeeded  Father 
Maimers  as  Superior,  and  remained  at  Conewago  ten  years. 
He  spent  a  year  and  a  half  at  Lancaster,  and  then  went  to 
Frederick,  from  which  place  his  missionary  travels  extended 
through  western  Maryland  into  Virginia,  as  far  as  Winchester. 
He  was  a  model  missionary  priest,  an  example  of  every  vir- 
tue,— mild,  patient,  modest,  obedient,  pious  and  zealous.  His 
death  record  is  entered  at  Conewago,  Aug.  27th,  1795.     He 


52  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

died  of  a  contagious  fever  ;  some  say  at  St.  Inigoes,  Md.,  which 
may  agree  with  the  record  of  his  death,  "  in  comitatu  Mariae, 
in  Marylandia." 

Father  Frombach  was  assisted  while  Superior  of  Cone- 
wago  by  Father  Detrich,  a  French  gentleman,  during  whose 
time  an  addition  was  built  to  the  old  church,  and  another 
small  room  attached  thereto.  Father  Pellentz's  name  also 
appears,  especially  on  the  different  missions,  so  that  he  most 
likely  made  Conewago  his  home  from  1758  to  1768,  and  went 
out  on  the  surrounding  missions,— Frederick,  Hagerstown  and 
the  valleys  along  the  mountains.  He  succeeded  Father  From- 
bach as  Superior.  Father  Andrews  was  no  doubt  his  assist- 
ant, both  on  the  missions  and  after  he  became  Superior.  It 
is  sad  to  think  that  so  little  knowledge  is  preserved  of  these 
Fathers  and  their  labors.  We  know  that  they  rode  on  horse- 
back many  miles  to  visit  the  sick  and  minister  to  the  wants 
of  the  Catholics,  that  they  had  to  undergo  many  hardships 
and  dangers,  but  beyond  this  little  else  is  known.  Whatever 
information  may  be  gained  from  kind  friends  who  are  inter- 
ested and  better  informed  on  such  matters,  we  shall  be  only 
too  glad  to  give  later  on. 


THE  SACRED  HEART  BUILT. 

The  Revolutionary  period  was  one  of  trial  and  gloomy 
foreboding  for  the  colonists,  and  especially  so  for  the  Catho- 
lics. War  with  the  mother  country  cut  them  off  from  all 
communication  or  authority  with  the  church  in  Europe  and 
the  head  of  the  Society  in  England.  There  were  dangers  to 
be  feared  from  such  freedom  from  authority,  but  in  greater 
straits  than  this  the  church  had  found  able  men  raised  up  for 
its  rescue.  So  with  the  infant  church  in  the  colonies.  Among 
the  few  priests  were  men  of  strong  mind  and  determined 
purpose, — men  of  example  and  judgment,  who  by  their  labors 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  53 

and  their  virtues  inspired  priests  and  people  with  confidence 
and  encouragement,  Independence,  like  the  sun  after  the 
darkest  storm,  brought  light  and  freedom  and  prosperity  to 
the  people  ;  the  church  shared  in  the  new  life  and  light  thus 
spread.  Many  things  rendered  it  necessary  that  the  church 
should  have  established  authority  in  America,  from  Rome  and 
not  from  London,  now  that  America  rendered  her  no  more 
allegiance.  Rev.  John  Carroll  was  appointed  Vicar- Apostolic, 
consecrated  Bishop  in  1790,  and  raised  to  the  Archbishopric 
in  1809. 

Father  Carroll  visited  Conewago  in  1784,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation,  and  again  about  1811. 
He  placed  the  number  of  communicants  at  Conewago  on 
his  first  visit  at  one  thousand.  There  are  but  few  living  now 
who  were  confirmed  by  Bishop  Carroll.  Miss  Sallie  Lilly, 
no  doubt,  is  one  of  them,  and  there  may  be  several  more  in 
the  valley,  who  were  born  about  1800. 

From  this  time  the  growth  of  the  church  was  rapid  every- 
where, and  on  a  sound  and  healthy  basis.  There  were  a  few 
weak  points  here  and  there  which  caused  trouble,  but  they 
deserve  now  to  be  forgotten  as  they  served  only  to  strengthen 
the  church  the  more  permanently.  Diocese  after  diocese  was 
formed,  new  Bishops  and  Archbishops  created,  and  so  the 
work  is  now  going  on  successfully  to-day.  First  Conewago 
was  under  the  Bishop  of  Baltimore,  then  it  belonged  to  the 
Diocese  of  Philadelphia  and  now  it  is  in  that  of  Harrisburg. 
It  is  subject,  of  course,  like  always,  to  the  Superiors  and  Pro- 
vincials of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  and  they  to  the  Father-Gen- 
eral in  Rome,  or  wherever  he  may  temporarily  reside.  In 
religious  matters  it  is  governed  by  the  rules  of  the  Church  as 
they  relate  to  the  Orders  and  the  Bishops  in  their  respective 
dioceses. 

We  come  now  to  one  of  the  most  important  periods  in 
the  history  of  the  Conewago  Church,  when  the  present  stone 
church  was  built  by  Father  Pellentz.  The  church  was  spread- 
ing and  growing  everywhere.     The   greatest  trouble  experi- 


54  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

cnced  was  the  want  of  priests,  especially  men  of  executive 
ability,  who  could  by  their  energy  and  perseverance,  with  the 
limited  means  at  hand,  build  suitable  churches  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  increasing  number  of  Catholics.  Conewago 
was  truly  blessed  with  such  a  man,  in  the  person  of  Father 
James  Pellentz,  S.  J.  As  a  missionary  he  had  attended  to 
the  widely  scattered  missions  of  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania, 
and  as  a  German  his  services  were  required  in  more  places 
than  he  could  possibly  render  them.  We  find  him  at  Freder- 
ick, at  Lancaster,  and  intervening  points ;  at  Carlisle  and 
through  the  valley  to  Hagerstown.  and  later  on  having  in 
charge  the  border  settlements  along  the  mountains,  of  which 
he  was  relieved  by  Father  Gallitzin.  His  principal  assistant 
at  Conewago  was  Father  Andrews,  whom  he  calls  a  ''faithful 
servant,"  which  implies  more  than  we  can  express — the  whole 
burden  of  church  work  at  Conewago,  as  Father  Pellentz  had 
many  outside  duties  and  matters  of  business  which  claimed 
his  attention.  Two  other  priests'  names  are  mentioned  as 
assistants  to  Father  Pellentz,  but  no  dates  can  be  given.  They 
were  Fathers  Charles  Sewell  and  Sylvester  Boarman,  of  the 
Society,  and  could  not  have  been  at  Conewago  very  long 
before  Father  Pellentz's  death.  There  were  other  priests  on 
the  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  missions,  who  came  to  Cone- 
wago off  and  on,  but  were  never  stationed. 

The  building  of  canals  and  public  roadways  shortly  after 
the  Revolution,  brought  many  Irish  and  German  Catholics 
into  the  States,  and  wherever  they  went  missionaries  were 
sent  among  them.  Conewago  increased  rapidly  in  population, 
and  the  rich  farming  lands  brought  increased  wealth  and  pros- 
perity. When  Father  Pellentz  succeeded  Father  Frombach 
as  Superior  about  17G8,  the  want  of  a  larger  church  was  al- 
ready beginning  to  be  felt.  The  log  church  must  have  been 
but  a  small  place,  with  bare  walls  and  rude  benches  and  hardly 
a  iloor  in  it  except  around  the  altar  and  the  small  room  at- 
tached. Everything  that  entered  the  building  had  to  be  fur- 
nished in  the  settlement,  and  the  means  for  any  kind  of  work 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  55 

were  very  limited.  Travel  was  then  yet  mostly  by  horse- 
back, so  that  people  were  depending  to  a  great  extent  upon 
their  own  resources,  cut  off  from  the  towns  by  long  distances 
through  an  unsettled  country. 

Many  of  the  Catholics  of  Conewago  were  then  consider- 
ed well-to-do,  and  were  as  intelligent  and  appreciative  of  the 
comforts  of  life  as  people  are  now.  Father  Pellentz  saw  the 
need  of  improvements,  so  that  religion  might  take  the  lead  in 
the  growth  of  the  country.  Any  steps  towards  carrying  out 
his  plans  were  out  of  the  question,  on  account  of  the  troubles 
and  uncertainties  occasioned  by  the  war  of  Independence. 

When  peace  was  restored  and  the  country  attained  a 
separate  and  independent  existence,  the  future  of  the  church 
like  that  of  the  land  became  brighter  and  more  promising. — 
Father  Pellentz  lost  no  time  in  making  preparations  for  his 
great  work.  There  was  money  to  be  collected,  material  to  be 
furnished  and  worked  out,  and  many  things  to  be  attended  to 
in  the  erection  of  so  large  and  finished  a  building.  The  stone 
for  the  church  had  to  be  quarried  and  dressed  near  East  Ber- 
lin, and  hauled  a  distance  of  ten  or  fifteen  miles.  The  erec- 
tion of  the  Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  was  begun  sometime 
in  1786  and  completed  in  1787.  It  stands  to-day  as  solid  and 
substantial  as  ever.  We  have  no  record  of  its  dedication  and 
consecration.  The  old  log  church  was  removed,  and  services 
were  probably  held  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  house  or  tem- 
porary place  of  dwelling.  The  parsonage  was  built  at  the 
same  time,  and  like  the  church  has  since  been  enlarged  and 
improved.  There  was  a  quaint  old  cupola  on  the  church,  but 
whether  it  was  put  up  at  the  same  time,  or  later  by  Fathers 
DeBarth  and  Lekeu,  we  are  unable  to  find  out.  The  one 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  building  of  this  church  will  be 
appropriately  celebrated  next  year.  The  Fathers  'held  a  pic- 
nic in  the  grove  adjoining  the  church  on  the  28th  of  July, 
just  passed,  and  realized  nearly  $500,  which  will  be  devoted 
to  the  celebration  of  this  anniversary.     In  this  church,  Father 


56  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Pellentz  has  left  a  greater  monument  to  his  memory  than  our 
humble  pen  can  inscribe. 

"  This  Father's  memory  is  still,  and  will  ever  be,  affec- 
tionately and  gratefully  cherished  by  the  pastors  and  congre- 
gation of  Conewago,  as  one  of  the  most  liberal,  charitable  and 
zealous  of  men  and  benefactors,  and  as  a  shepherd  who  laid 
down  his  life  for  his  flock,  after  many  weary  years  of  inces- 
sant and  successful  labor,  in  erecting  and  perpetuating  a  church 
in  which  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  were  expected  and 
destined  to  worship  their  Maker,  and  save  their  immortal 
souls." 

A  short  sketch  of  the  church,  written  about  1830  by  one 
of  the  Fathers,  from  information  of  one  of  the  oldest  inhabit- 
ants, has  the  following  allusion  to  the  present  church  as  it 
then  appeared  :  "  As  it  respects  the  settlement  in  which  it  is 
placed,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  few  settlements,  if  any, 
will  be  found  in  the  United  States  composed  of  a  more  dense, 
wealthy,  economical,  industrious  and  intelligent  population. 
The  farm  attached  to  the  church  contains  about  500  acres,  of 
probably  the  very  best  quality  of  land  in  the  State  of  Penn- 
sylvania. The  present  church  is  built  of  rough-stone,  the  front 
of  a  peculiar  sort  of  red  sandstone,  found  some  miles  distant 
from  the  church,  of  a  very  strong  texture,  and  is  about  GO 
feet  long,  40  feet  high  and  about  80  feet  broad,  [taking  in 
the  whole  front  of  the  building  and  parsonage,]  with  a  semi- 
diagonal  sanctuary  at  the  east  end  of  about  20  feet,  this  show- 
ing it  to  be  one  of  the  largest  buildings  for  public  worship  as 
yet  in  the  interior  of  the  country,  exclusive  of  towns  and  cit- 
ies." *  *  *  "  Father  Pellentz  was  a  missionary  of  the 
most  exemplary  piety,  of  untiring  zeal,  of  the  most  agreeable 
and  fascinating  manners,  and  certainly  possessed  of  uncommon 
influence,  not  only  over  his  own  flock  but  also  possessing  the 
affection  and  confidence  of  persons  of  other  religious  denomi- 
nations, else  it  would  have  been  impossible  for  him  to  have 
erected  at  such  an  early  period,  and  at  such  heavy  expense,  a 
building  of  such  dimensions.     Suffice  it  to  say,  that  those  few, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  57 

without  distinction  of  religious  creeds,  who  have  survived  him, 
and  who  were  personally  acquainted  with  him,  speak  in  the 
most  exulted  terms  of  his  character  and  by  them  his  memory 
is  held  in  the  highest  veneration." 

James  Pellentz,  S.  J.,  was  born  in  Germany,  Jan.  19th, 
1727;  entered  the  Society  in  1714,  and  made  his  profession 
in  175G.  He  filled  the  office  of  Vicar-General  to  Bishop  Car- 
roll in  1701,  ami  was  present  at  the  first  Council  of  Baltimore. 
lie  died,  according  to  the  record  entered  at  Conewago.  on 
March  13th,  1800,  and  was  buried  on  the  15th.  He  was  at 
old  St  Joseph's  in  Philadelphia  in  Nov.,  1705,  as  appears  from 
the  baptismal  register. 


FR.  PELLENTZ  TO  FR.  De  BARTIL 


Every  effort  to  obtain  some  connected  account  of  the 
history  of  Conewago  during  this  period,  has  been  fruitless. — 
There  arc  conflicting  statements  regarding  the  successor  of 
Father  Pellentz  as  Superior  in  1800.  If  Father  Brosius  was 
Superior  at  all,  it  was  for  a  very  short  time.  We  are  inclined 
to  think  that  he  was  not,  but  may  have  been  acting  as  such 
until  a  permanent  Superior  was  appointed.  Between  Father 
Pellentz  and  Fathers  De  Barth  and  Lekeu,  there  is  a  space  of 
some  years  when  there  was  no  permanent  Superior,  but  dif- 
ferent priests  acting  in  that  capacity.  The  priests  who  were 
at  Conewago  about  this  time,  attended  the  different  missions 
more  or  less  alternately,  as  best  suited  the  various  conflicting 
circumstances.  The  Bishop  was  then  beginning  to  exercise 
his  authority,  and  getting  his  large  and  scattered  household 
in  something  like  working  order.  Demands  were  made  upon 
him  for  a  German  priest  here,  an  English  one  there,  and  one 
for  the  Irish  somewhere  else.  The  Provincial  of  the  Jesuits 
was  Rev.  Bobert  Molyneaux,  who  had  succeeded  Father  Lewis. 
The  church  kept  meeting  the  growing  needs  of  the  people,  and 


58  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

laying  the  foundations  for  vast  future  extensions.  Colleges 
were  being  founded  and  native  priests  supplied,  upon  whom 
the  church  was  soon  to  depend  in  a  great  measure.  The 
Sulpitians  founded  St.  Mary's  College,  and  the  Jesuits  that  of 
Georgetown.  Religious  orders  were  beginning  to  be  intro- 
duced, to  aid  in  the  increasing  work  of  the  church,  and  from 
the  humble  start  of  Mother  Seton  at  Emmettsburg,  sprang 
that  vast  religious  body  which  is  now  to  be  found  carrying  on 
schools  and  asylums  and  charitable  works  everywhere.  It  is 
not  our  plan  or  purpose  to  enter  into  any  details  outside  of 
our  limited  field,  for  it  could  not  be  more  than  a  passing 
notice.  Thanks  to  able  and  learned  men,  these  grounds  are 
well  covered  by  the  History  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the 
United  States,  the  Life  of  Mother  Seton,  History  of  the  Cath- 
olic Church  in  Western  Pennsylvania,  Life  of  Father  Gallitzin, 
and  other  valuable  works.  If  only  Catholics  would  give  more 
encouragement  to  this  branch  of  church  literature  ! 

Rev.  F.  X.  Brosius  was  the   young  priest  who  came  to 
this  country  with  Prince  Gallitzin  in  1792.     He  was  a  very 
useful  missionary.     Just  what  time  he  spent  at  Conewago  it 
is  impossible  to  designate.     Father  Middleton,  0.  S.  A.,  places 
him  here  in  1801,  and  at  Baltimore  in  1804-5.     According 
to  Mr.  Griffin  he  was  at  Lancaster  in  179G,  where  he  issued 
the  "  Reply  of  a  Roman  Catholic  Priest  to  a  Peace-Loving 
Preacher  of  the  Lutheran  Church;"  in  1806  in  Philadelphia; 
1807,  he  founded  a  "  Seminary  "  or  School  at  Mount  Airy,  ad- 
joining Philadelphia  ;  1813,  he  issued  at  Philadelphia  "The 
Elements  of  Natural  or  Experimental  Philosophy;"  1815,  at 
Jamaica  Plains,  near  Boston,  where  he  taught   German  to 
Geo.  Ticknor;  1816,  April  14th,  his  first  baptismal  record  ap- 
pears at  the  Cathedral,  Boston,  and  his  last  on  June  28th  — 
Then  he  went  to  Germany,  or  brobably  first  to  Cincinnati, 
then  started  for  Europe.     His  name  appears  as  sponsor  on  the 
baptismal  records  of  Conewago  on  the  following  dates  :     Feb. 
7th,  1794;  May  25th,  1795;  Nov.   25th,    1798;  Oct.   24th, 
1800  ;  Nov.  3d,  1800  ;  April  28th,  1 803. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  59 

March  2d,  1793,  there  is  a  baptism  recorded,  with  the 
name  of  Rev.  P.  Erntzen  given  as  sponsor.  The  "  P."  may 
signify  "  Father  '*  from  the  Latin  Pater.  There  is  some  doubt 
as  to  the  correctness  of  his  name,  as  it  is  impossible  to  distin- 
guish the  "  n  '  from  the  "  u."  Father  Middleton  gives  his 
name  as  "Enntzen"  or  "Erntzen/'  which  latter  would  corres- 
pond with  the  record.  Rev.  Paul  Dominic  Enntzen  or  Ernt- 
zen was  the  fifth  pastor  of  Goshenhoppen.  from  April,  1793, 
to  Ma}',  26th,  1818.  The  same  Father  was  at  Lebanon  from 
1801  to  1804. 

It  has  also  been  stated  b}'  some  that  Father  Pellentz  was 
succeeded  as  Superior  by  Father  Charles  Sewell  or  Father 
Sylvester  Boarman,  both  of  whom  labored  at  Conewago  some 
time  before  and  after  1800. 

*  » 

These  priests  were  assisted  by  Fathers  Cerfoumont, 
Manly  or  Maunly,  Mertz,  Zocchi,  and  others.  There  is  men- 
tion of  a  Father  Zockley,  which  most  likely  meant  Rev.  Nico- 
laus  or  Nicholas  Zocchi,  who  succeeded  Father  Gallitzin  at 
Taney  town.  Rev.  D.  Stanislaus  Cerfoumont  was  a  missionary 
priest  for  nineteen  years,  and  died  at  Conewago  Aug.  2d, 
1804,  aged  53.  He  was  one  of  the  priests  present  at  the 
first  Council  of  Baltimore  in  1791.  Of  Father  Manly  nothing- 
is  known.  Father  John  Nicholas  Mertz  was  at  Conewago  in 
1804. — his  name  appearing  only  once  on  the  register  of  bap- 
tisms. Father  Middleton  places  him  here  from  Aug..  1803, 
to  Nov,  1805  ;  from  Dec.  0th,  1805,  to  May  20th,  at  Balti- 
more ;  in  1828  at  Java,  N.  Y.  ;  1829,  at  Buffalo  ;  about  1836 
to  1838,  at  Eden,  and  Western  New  York;  dying  Aug.  10th, 
1844,  aged  81.  Bishop  Timon  wrote  that  Father  Mertz  was 
pastor  at  Conewago  in  1826,  for  three  years,  and  left  it  in 
1829  for  Buffalo  and  Eden,  N.  Y.,  "  where  he  labored  with 
the  most  untiring  zeal  from  the  year  1829  till  his  death.'' — 
He  was  a  native  of  Germany,  where  he  was  ordained  in  1791, 
and  was  received  into  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore  by  Bishop 
Carroll  in  1811,  "by  whom  he  was  always  much  respected 
and  esteemed.'' 


60  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

We  come  to  another  name  in  the  history  of  Conewago, 
of  a  man  the  record  of  whose  life  and  labors  would  1111  a  vol- 
ume itself,  and  that  is  Demetrius  Augustine  de  Gallitzin. — 
He   was   born   at  the   Hague,   Dec.   22d.    1770.     His   father 
was  high  in  favor  at  the  Russian  Court,  and  the  young  prince 
himself  was  destined  for  a  soldier  and  statesmen,  but  Provi- 
dence ordained  otherwise.     His  mother  was  of  noble  birth, 
and  to  her  training  is  due  to  a  great  extent   the  religious 
course  of  the  Prince's  life.     She  herself  was  misled  for  a  time, 
but  lived  and  died  a  model  christian  woman  and  a  Catholic. 
There  are  many  traits  of  character  in  the  life  of  Father  Gallit- 
zin which  challenge  our  admiration.     Catholic  youth  should 
study  his  life.     Born  to  vast  estates  and  all  the   honors  of 
nobility,  he  forfeited  all  and  became  the  humble  missionary 
of  Loretto,  in  the  wild  and  distant  country  of  the  Alleghany 
mountains,  in"  America.     His  life  was  a  continual  sacrifice  of 
all  that  the  world  had  to  offer.     Friends  and  kindred,  home 
and  country  and  everything,  he  left  to  become  a  poor,  travel- 
ing missionary,  living  and  laboring  for  others,  with  never  a 
thought  of  himself.     In  coming  to  this  country,  he  assumed 
the  name  of  Herr  Schmett,  from  the  family  of  his  mother, 
who  was  the  daughter  of  Countess  Ruffert  and  Marshal  Count 
Schmetteau.     From  this  he  derived  the   American  name  of 
Mr.  Smith,  which  he  kept  until  changed  by   an   act  of  the 
Pennsylvania   Legislature.     He  joined  the  Sulpitians  in   this 
country,   and  was  ordained  a  priest  March   18th,  1795,  and 
was  sent  to  Conewago.     From  here  he  attended  the  missions 
for  many  miles  around.     The  great  aim  and  object  of  his  life 
was  to  found  a  Catholic  colony.     Starting  with  a  few  Catholic 
families  in  1799,  when  he  left  Conewago,  he  gave  all  his  means 
and  energies  towards  its  accomplishment ;  and  from  this  hum- 
ble beginning  at  Maguire's  settlement,   among  the  Alleghany 
.  mountains,  in  Cambria  County,  Pennsylvania,  he  raised  up  a 
church  and  a  Catholic  people,  cultivated  the  land  and  cleared 
the  forests,  so  that  at  his  death  all  the  blessings  of  home  and 
religion  were  enjoyed  by  thousands  of  happy  souls,  where 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  61 

once  a  lone  wilderness  spread  its  attending  desolation.  Father 
Gallitzin  died  at  Loretto,  May  Gth,  1840.  He  visited  Cone- 
wago  at  different  times  during  his  life,  and  many  people  }7et 
have  a  personal  recollection  of  this  saintly  priest.  Poor, 
dear  Father  Gallitzin  !  When  discouraged  by  the  sad  failures 
of  life,  and  disgusted  at  the  hollow  deceits  of  the  world,  we 
recall  the  sacrifices,  privations  and  sufferings  of  this  truly 
noble  man,  we  become  reconciled  to  fate  and  feel  that  we 
have  done  nothing  to  entitle  us  to  the  miserable  existence  an 
unworthy  life  affords. 


FR.  De  EARTH  TO  FR.  LEKEU. 


With  the  growth  of  the  country  and  that  of  towns  and 
villages,  the  days  of  the  traveling  missionary  were  drawing 
to  a  close.  In  the  beginning  of  the  present  century  all  the 
outlying  missions  had  already  been  supplied  with  churches, 
and  priests  stationed  at  the  most  central  points,  who  supplied 
the  wants  of  the  Catholics  within  their  reach.  So  the  priests 
of  the  community  at  Conewago  had  their  respective  fields  of 
labor.  Littlestown,  York  and  Carlisle  were  the  first  places 
provided  with  church  buildings,  and  where  there  were  none, 
services  were  held  at  first  once  a  month  in  a  room  of  some 
Catholic  familj7,  where  the  surrounding  Catholics  would  meet. 
The  priests  made  use  of  the  best  means  in  their  power  to 
keep  the  Catholics  who  were  far  from  churches  well  grounded 
in  their  religion,  and  that  was  "  Catechism."  Who  does  not 
remember  the  happy  days  when  "  going  to  Catechism  !"  Be- 
fore schools  or  churches  were  built;  the  priests  would  give  in- 
structions at  stated  times  wherever  a  few  Catholic  children  or 
people  could  be  gotten  together  ;  at  the  same  time,  baptizing 
marrying,  and  performing  all  the  rites  of  the  church  as  neces- 
sity demanded.     All    the    surrounding    towns,    villages    and 


62  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

country  places  were  thus  visited  by  the  Conewago  Fathers. 
Those  were  days  of  trials  for  the  Catholics,  and  the  sacrifices 
they  made  to  practice  their  religion  show  that  the  faith  was 
strong  in  them.  Who  to-day  walks  ten  and  twenty  miles  to 
hear  Mass  on  Sundays  and  holy  days  of  obligation  ?  With 
all  our  modern  conveniences  many  ot  us  are  exceedingly  care- 
less and  negligent  in  this  respect.  Our  fathers  and  mothers 
tell  us  that  they  walked  from  the  "barrens," — from  beyond 
Abbottstown  and  the  Pigeon  Hills  in  Paradise,  from  East 
Berlin  and  Pinetown  (now  New  Chester)  to  the  vicinity  of 
Gettysburg,  and  down  by  Littlestown  to  the  country  below 
Hanover, — walked  many  a  time  from  these  places  to  Conewago 
Chapel  to  church,  carrying  their  shoes  in  their  hands  as  far 
as  Slagle's  Run  or  the  Conewago  and  there  putting  them  on, 
and  feeling  as  neat  and  trim  in  linsey  dress  and  homespun  as 
we  do  to-day  in  silk  and  broadcloth.  How  times  and  customs 
chance,  while  the  church  suits  herself  to  every  need  and  cir- 
cumstance  and  goes  on  forever !  We  who  are  proud  and 
haughty  and  religious  only  for  fashion's  sake,  might  learn  a 
wholesome  lesson  from  the  simple  manners  and  true  piety  of 
our  forefathers  of  the  "  good  old  time."  And  if  some  writer 
one  hundred  years  hence  undertakes  to  teach  his  generation 
by  the  example  and  practice  of  this  age,  0  what  is  to  become 
of  our  boasted  civilization  ! 

Among  the  priests  who  were  at  Conewago  from  1800  to 
1820,  and  of  whom  we  have  nothing  but  mere  mention,  are 
the  following:  Rev.  Matthew  Carr,  0.  S.  A.,  in  1807.  He 
established  the  Order  of  St.  Augustine  in  Philadelphia  in  1795, 
and  started  the  building  of  the  church  of  St.  Augustine.  Rev. 
Francis  Rolof  from  1808  to  1810,  who  was  in  P>altimore  in 
1828.  Father  Marshall,  in  1814  ;  there  was  a  Rev.  Francis 
Xavier  Marshall  at  Reading  in  1839,  and  this  may  be  the 
same  one.  Father  Middleton  puts  the  date  of  Father  Matthew 
Lekeu's  coming  to  Conewago  as  May  26th,  1817,  and  pro- 
bably he  labored  here  continuously  from   that  time  till  his 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  63 

departure  for  France  about  1843.  Rev.  P.  Rantzun  or  Ran- 
sob  was  at  Conewago  in  1818.  This  was  no  doubt  Rev. 
Maximilian  Rantzau,  spelt  so  himself  in  his  will,  a  copy  of 
which  we  have.  He  was  born  in  Munster  near  Westphalia, 
Dec.  23d,  1769  ;  died  at  Frederick,  Aug.  7th,  1827.  Father 
Vincent  Phil.  MayerhofFer  was  at  Conewago  in  1819.  There 
is  mention  of  Fathers  Cummysky  and  Stogan,  as  assistants  to 
Father  De  Barth  ;  Rev.  J.  W.  Beschter  is  also  mentioned  in 
that  capacity,  but  we  do  not  know  at  what  time  he  came  to 
Conewago.  A  breviary  preserved  in  the  old  library  has  the 
following  inscription  ;  "Ad  usum  J.  W.  Beschter,  1816."— 
This  must  have  been  when  he  was  a  young  priest,  for  he  died 
at  Conewago  (Paradise)  more  than  twentj'-five  years  after- 
wards. There  is  a  death  record  at  Conewago  of  Father  Pat- 
rick O'Connor,  July  18th,  1816.  Whether  he  labored  here 
any  length  of  time,  is  not  known.  He  was  probably  a  Mary- 
land priest. 

The  Revolution  in  France  was  a  blessing  to  the  church  in 
America.  What  Europe  lost  by  her  wars  against  religion, 
this  country  gained.  The  Jesuits  were  great  missionaries, 
teachers  and  statesmen,  and  worked  for  great  ends.  The  So- 
ciet}7  of  Jesus  was  founded  as  an  army  to  battle  against  the 
enemies  of  religion  ;  to  right  the  battles  of  the  church  against 
infidelity,  and  to  stand  between  the  powers  of  the  world,  the 
flesh  and  the  demon  in  their  attacks  upon  God,  His  church 
and  His  poor.  The  prayer  of  its  saintly  founder,  St.  Ignatius 
Loyola,  was  for  continual  persecution  of  its  members,  so  that 
the}7  might  become  grim  warriors  used  to  the  struggles  that 
light  is  bound  to  meet  with  darkness  as  long  as  time  shall 
exist.  Like  the  soldier,  the  Jesuits  are  trained  to  religious 
austerities  from  youth  to  the  grave,  and  they  are  practiced  in 
every  mode  of  christian  warfare.  They  are  as  learned  a  body 
of  men  as  the  world  will  ever  see.  Their  school  of  theology 
is  the  grandest  in  the  history  of  the  church.  As  teachers 
the}'  have  hardly  an  equal,  and  when  they  once  have  the 
training  of  a  youth  his  habits  as  a  rule  are  formed  for  a  life- 


04  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

time.  No  wonder  that  they  are  persecuted  by  the  world  of 
cruel  and  ambitious  tyrants  ;  for  if  religion  is  to  be  crushed, 
the  Jesuits  will  have  to  be  conquered  first.  All  the  intrigues 
of  men  have  been  brought  against  them  in  vain,  and  though 
their  suppression  may  have  been  thus  accomplished,  them- 
selves slandered,  calumniated  and  persecuted,  it  only  served 
to  make  them  stronger  and  more  powerful  in  the  cause  of  re- 
ligion. Defeated  in  one  place,  they  turned  up  in  another  with 
half  a  nation  converted  to  the  church  before  their  enemies 
knew  what  had  become  of  them.  Thus  it  seems  providential 
that  when  Europe  ceased  to  be  a  profitable  held  of  missionary 
labor,  persecution  drove  the  Jesuits  into  other  countries  where 
they  met  with  unbounded  success. 

Among  those  whose  names  will  ever  adorn  the  annals  of 
the  Society  in  America,  Aclolphus  Lewis  do  Barth  is  not  the 
least,     Next  to  Father  Pellentz  is  his  memory  cherished  at 
Conewago,  and  his  life  and   labors  here  rank   with   those   of 
such  Companions  as  Lekeu,  Enders,  Deneckere,  Yilliger  and 
Emig,  in  what  they  have  done  for  Conewago.      He  was  born 
Nov.  1st,  1764  ;  came  to  this  country  shortly  before  1800  ; 
labored  at  Bohemia  Manor,  Maryland  ;  at  St.  Joseph's,  Phila- 
delphia in  1795  ;  at  Lancaster  a  number  of  years  ;    Vicar- 
General  to  Bishop  Egan,  and  administrator  from  his  death  in 
1814  to  1820,  when  he  became  Superior  at  Conewago.     He 
remained  here  until   1828,   when  he   became  rector  at  St. 
John's   Church,   Baltimore,  where  now  stands  the  beautiful 
church  of  St.  Alphonsus.     In  1838,   his  growing  infirmities 
compelled    him  to  retire    for    rest  to   Georgetown   College, 
where  he  died  a  saintly  death,  October  13th,  1 844.     His  name 
occurs  at  Conewago  in  1807.     He  signed  his  name  "  L.  Barth  " 
and  "  Lewis  Barth."     He  is  further  mentioned  at  Conewago 
in  1804,  1800  and  1815.     His  name  is  pronounced  "  De  Bart " 
by  the  old  people  who  knew  him.     It  is  said  that  he  was  pas- 
tor at  Conewago  for  twenty-five  years,  but  he  could  not  have 
been  such  and  performed  his  official  duties  to  the  Bishop  and 
the  Diocese.     He  may  have  been  connected  with  Conewago 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  65 

and  had  more  or  less  supervision,  from  the  beginning  of  this 
century  to  1828.  In  1820,  the  pew  system  was  introduced,  and 
on  that  question  there  was  a  decided  difference  between  him- 
self and  Father  Lekeu.  The  sketch  of  1830  sa}^s  Father  De 
Earth  was  the  "  Presiding  Pastor  "  of  Conewago  Congrega- 
tion, and  Father  Britt  the  "Superior  of  the  Fathers  of  the 
same  house."  Be  that  as  it  may,  we  know  that  Father  De 
Barth  managed  the  property  and  all  the  business  and  papers 
were  transacted  in  his  name.  He  received  power  of  attorney 
from  Rev.  Francis  I.  Neale,  of  Georgetown  College,  June  21st, 
1811,  for  the  estate  at  Conewago, — then  alreadj^  "in  his  pos- 
session," which  had  been  bequeathed  to  Father  Neale  by  Father 
Mol}Tneaux  and  held  by  Father  Pellentz,  and  transferred  from 
Father  De  Barth  to  Father  Lekeu  in  1828.  Father  Neale 
we  presume  was  the  successor  of  Rev.  Robert  Molyneaux  as 
Provincial  of  the  Jesuits. 

When  the  Society  of  Jesu.s  was  reorganized  under  its 
rules  in  this  country,  a  number  of  Jesuits  from  Europe  joined 
its  ranks.  In  Russia  the  Order  was  protected  and  it  existed 
there  when  more  or  less  suppressed  and  expelled  from  the 
other  countries.  "That  good  Franciscan  of  the  Vatican," 
said  Frederick  the  Great  of  Pope  Sixtus  V.,  from  whom  the 
brief  of  suppression  had  been  wrung, — (compulsus  feci !  com- 
pulsus  feci !) — "  leaves  me  my  dear  Jesuits,  who  are  persecut- 
ed everywhere  else.  I  will  preserve  the  precious  seed,  so  as 
to  be  able  one  day  to  apply  it  to  such  as  may  desire  again  to 
cultivate  this  rare  plant." 

Conewago  received  a  part  of  this  precious  seed.  Fathers 
Adam  Britt  and  Michael  Joseph  Byrne  were  priests  from 
White  Marsh,  Russia,  and  were  among  Father  De  Barth's 
assistants.  Father  Britt  was  stricken  with  paralysis  while  on 
the  altar,  and  was  carried  to  his  room.  He  died  July  8th, 
1822,  in  his  81st  year,  after  receiving  all  the  rites  of  the 
church.  Father  Byrne  died  March  28th,  1823,  and  was  bur- 
ied on  the  30th.  He  was  a  missionary  in  the  city  of  Lancas- 
ter, and  was  aged  forty -six  years.  Fathers  Larhue  and  Divin 
were  also  assistants  about  1822,  but  of  them  we  know  noth- 
ing more. 


66  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

FROM  FR.  LEKEU  to  FR.  ENDERS. 


There  is  never  any  rest  for  man  in  this  world,  no  matter 
how  long  his  life  nor  how  successful  his  works.  We  are 
speaking  of  laborers,  those  who  have  been  brought  up  busy 
and  active  at  an}r  employment.  If  old  age  or  infirmity  com- 
pels rest  and  retirement,  it  turns  into  weariness  and  unrest 
that  betokens  approaching  dissolution.  So  with  the  Fathers 
who  had  grown  old  in  the  service  of  the  church  at  Conewago. 
They  always  found  something  to  do,  and  were  ever  planning 
some  means  of  temporal  and  religious  improvement  for  the 
community.  Not  one  of  them  but  what  he  had  to  be  pur- 
suaded  that  it  was  necessary  he  should  be  relieved  of  his  active 
duties  and  take  the  rest  which  age  demanded,  and  even  then 
compliance  was  only  in  response  to  authority,  sacredly  and 
religiously  observed  for  a  life-time.  Poor  Fathers,  they  loved 
their  household  as  parents  love  their  family,  and  their  only 
desire  was  to  care  for  it  to  the  end. 

The  people  of  the  valley  at  present  would  be  surprised 
could  they  see  Conewago  as  it  was  yet  in  1830,  and  along 
there.  Dense  woods  extended  all  around.  These  furnished 
timber  for  all  the  improvements  that  have  since  been  made. 
The  large  tract  of  woodland  reaching  back  to  the  Keagy 
property,  and  about  the  last  belonging  to  the  Chapel  farms, 
was  cleared  out  some  years  ago  and  used  in  the  building  of 
O'Bold's  large  barn,  and  in  the  new  house  and  barn  of  the 
third  church  farm,  on  the  Hanover  road.  We  can  only  guess 
at  the  dates  when  the  farm  buildings  were  erected  and  the 
church  improvements  made.  The  old  stone  house,  torn  down 
when  the  present  dwelling  of  James  Devine  was  built,  was 
probably  the  work  of  Father  Pellentz  ;  as  also  the  old  brick 
barn  ;  for  this  can  be  called  the  homestead  on  the  church 
property.  There  stood  several  small  houses  along  the  hill, 
that  were  built  in  the  beginning  of  this  centuiw.     Father  En- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  G7 

ders,  in  his  time,  removed  an  old  brick  house  and  built  a  new 
one,  in  which  Henry  Kaehler  lived,  now  occupied  by  his  widow 
and  sons.  Henry  Kaehler  was  a  "faithful  servant"  at  the 
church  for  a  number  of  years,  and  his  sons,  especially  Joseph, 
succeeded  him,  attending  to  the  stables,  the  grape  arbor,  and 
such  work.  The  brother  attends  to  the  garden.  Father  En- 
ders  also  tore  down  an  old  log  house  at  the  toot  of  the  hill 
and  built  a  new  one,  now  used  by  the  Fathers  until  the  re- 
pairs of  their  house  adjoining  the  church  are  finished.  The 
house  and  barn  on  the  second  church  farm,  occupied  by  the 
Smalls  for  a  number  of  years,  were  probably  built  by  Father 
Lekeu,  or  near  his  time. 

Father  Matthew  Lekeu  received  power  of  attorney  from 
Father  Neale,  to  manage  his  estate  at  Conewago,  July  24th, 
1828,  just  about  the  time  Father  De  Barth  left.  He  must 
then  already  have  been  acting  as  Superior  of  Conewago.— 
Father  Lekeu  is  still  well  remembered  by  many  people  who 
went  to  instructions  to  him  in  their  childhood.  The  missions 
grew  and  prospered  during  his  management,  and  substantial 
improvements  were  made  at  Conewago,  in  the  church  and  on 
the  farms.  In  many  respects  he  was  "  too  good  and  easy," 
and  when  he  was  taken  away,  Father  Lilly  was  sent  on  to 
straighten  up  business  matters  and  adjust  accounts.  Father 
Matthew  Lekeu  was  a  native  of  Belgium,  born  1788,  entered 
the  Society  in  181G,  and  became  a  priest  about  1823.  About 
1843,  he  was  stationed  at  Newtown,  Md.  Shortly  after  that 
he  sailed  for  his  native  land,  where  he  died  some  years  later. 
His  name  is  pronounced  "  Leck-eu  ;"  the  German  element 
pronounced  his  name  short.  "  Leckie."  He  wrote  his  name 
Lekeu. 

The  sketch  of  the  church  written  about  this  time,  between 
1828  and  1830,  says  Father  Lekeu  was  assisted  by  Fathers 
Kohlman  and  Dougherty,  S.  J.,  "  under  whose  administration 
the  congregation  appears  in  the  following  truly  prosperous 
and  nourishing  condition  :  If  we  look  at  the  natural  advan- 
tages which  the  beautiful  valley  of  Conewago  presents,  in  re- 


68       .  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

gard  to  fertility  of  soil,  healthfulness  of  climate,  profusion  of 
all  kinds  of  produce,  and  the  artificial  improvements  of  towns, 
villages,  mills  and  other  water  works,  together  with  a  ready 
market,  we  cannot  but  place  it  among  the  most  prosperous 
settlements  in  the  Union.  Yet  gratifying  as  these  advantages 
may  appear,  when  the  congregation  as  a  body  is  taken  in  a 
religious  point  of  view,  it  must  afford  matter  of  still  more  sin- 
cere and  edifying  congratulation.  The  number  of  communi- 
cants at  Conewago  Church  is  supposed  to  be  about  2400,  and 
taking  into  consideration  the  number  of  infants  [children],  the 
whole  number  of  Catholics  may  be  estimated  at  between  3000 
and  4000.  This  congregation  was  originally -composed  of 
the  adjoining  places  of  Littlestown,  Gettysburg,  Mountain 
Church,  Carlisle,  York  and  Brandt's  in  Pigeon  Hills  ;  but  as 
small  churches  have  been  erected  in  each  of  the  above  places, 
they  may  now  he  properly  considered  as  branches  emanating 
from  the  principal  or  parent  congregation  of  Conewago, — 
more  especially  as  three  of  said  places  still  resort  to  Conewa- 
go on  great  festivals,  York  and  Carlisle  having  been  allowed 
a  separate  priest,  and  also  Pigeon  Hills — Brandt's  Chapel, — 
they  may  now  be  considered  as  separate  congregations, 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Dween  (probably  Divin,) 
and  Father  Beschter." 

Of  the  assistants  of  Father  Lekeu,  little  is  recorded.  C. 
Paulus  Kohlman,  S.  J.,  was  a  brother  of  Anthony  Kohlman. 
They  were  distinguished  priests.  Father  Michael  Dougherty 
was  born  in  Ireland,  and  made  great  sacrifices  to  enter  the 
Society.  The  Provincial  particularly  recommended  him  to 
the  care  and  kind  treatment  of  his  Superiors.  He  was  a  val- 
uable laborer  at  Conewago,  and  at  the  neighboring  missions. 
He  was  born  Aug.  15th,  1701  ;  died  Aug.  27th,  1803,  at  Con- 
ewago. Ferdinand  Helias,  S.  J.,  labored  several  years  at 
Conewago,  and  was  then  sent  to  Missouri.  The  name  of  Rev. 
J.  Randanne  appears  about  this  period,  but  he  was  probably 
among  the  priests  called  to  Conewago  by  the  Sulpitian  Semi- 
nary at  the  Pigeon  Hills,  near  Mew  Oxford.     Priests  also  came 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  69 

down  from  Mount  St.  Mary's,  and  during  vacation  some  priests 
and  students  would  make  the  trip  on  foot ;  thus  we  find  such 
names  as  Brute,  Dubois,  Gildea,  Elder,  O'Brien,  and  others 
connected  with  Conewago. 

During  the  latter  part  of  Father  Lekeu's  ministry,  he 
was  assisted  by  Fathers  Barber,  Kendler,  Steinbacher,  Besch- 
ter,  Zacchi,  Tuffer,  (ribbons,  Villiger,  Hatting,  Cotting,  and 
others.  Father  Virgil  II.  Barber  has  a  very  interesting  per- 
sonal history,  and  we  shall  give  a  fuller  account  of  his  life 
further  on.  In  the  history  of  the  other  mission  churches  we 
shall  find  some  particulars  regarding  the  labors  of  these  priests. 
Father  Cotting  built  the  church  at  Gettysburg,  and  attended 
Paradise  and  Littlestown  a  while.  Fathers  Beschter  and 
Zacchi  served  Paradise  church  for  a  time.  Rev.  John  W. 
Beschter  died  there  Jan.  6th,  1842,  and  he  was  buried  at 
Conewago.  He  was  for  many  years  a  zealous  missionary  in 
Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  ;  a  man  of  a  kind  and  good- 
natured  disposition,  and  was  much  esteemed  by  all  who  knew 
him. 

July  10th,  1844.  an  ordination  was  performed  at  George- 
town, D.  C,  by  Archbishop  Fccleston,  at  which  Messrs. 
Michael  Tuffer,  Milesius  Gibbons  and  George  Villiger.  of  the 
Society  of  Jesus,  received  the  sub-deaconship.  On  the  day 
following  they  were  ordained  deacons,  and  on  the  22d  were 
promoted  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood.  Conewago  was 
their  first  field  of  labor. 

While  Father  Lekeu  was  Superior  he  had  pews  placed 
in  the  church,  of  a  more  comfortable  make  than  the  old-time 
seats.  He  made  other  improvements  around  the  church  and 
on  the  farms.  He  had  some  friends  in  France  who  were  in 
good  circumstances,  and  they  sent  him  a  number  of  valuable 
presents,  among  them  a  fine  set  of  vestments  and  a  rich  chime 
of  bells.  Father  McFlroy  had  at  the  same  time  procured  a 
bell  for  his  church,  at  Frederick.  His  bell  and  Father  Lekeu's 
chimes  were  taken  together  from  Baltimore  to  Frederick. 
Mr.  John  Lilly  was  sent  with  his  wagon  from  Conewago  to 


70  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Frederick  for  Father  Lekeu's  bells.  When  he  arrived  there 
Father  McElroy  had  them  already  in  use,  and  the  single  bell 
was  sent  to  Conewago.  It  is  said  that  Father  Lekeu  did  not 
like  the  exchange,  but  this  old  bell  has  rendered  much  valu- 
able service,  and  from  its  lofty  place  in  the  belfry  of  the  new 
spire  it  may  call  the  faithful  to  the  service  of  the  church  for 
a  century  or  more  to  come. 

Father  Nicholas  Steinbacher,  S.  J.,  succeeded  Father 
Lekeu  as  Superior  of  Conewago,  about  1 843.  He  is  said  to 
have  been  a  man  of  great  determination  of  purpose,  and  a 
very  pious  priest.  He  made  considerable  improvement  in 
the  interior  of  the  church.  He  had  it  painted  by  an  artist 
from  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Monaschei,  who  also  painted  some  of 
the  beautiful  pictures  still  on  the  walls,  and  made  paintings 
for  some  of  the  mission  churches.  A  brother  of  Father  Stein- 
bacher was  building  a  church  at  Lancaster  at  the  same  time, 
and  called  upon  him  for  help  at  Conewago,  but  this  Father 
told  him  he  had  all  he  could  do  to  pay  for  his  own  under- 
takings. Father  N.  Steinbacher  was  afterwards  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's  Church,  Erie,  Pa.  The  pleasure  of  writing  a  history 
of  old  Conewago  is  turned  into  regret,  for  the  want  of  fuller 
records.  Many  of  the  priests  have  to  be  passed  by  with  the 
mere  mention  of  their  name,  for  there  is  nothing  to  show 
where  they  came  from  or  where  they  went  to,  and  no  dates 
to  go  by.  Rev.  Joseph  Enders  succeeded  Father  Steinbacher 
as  Superior  of  Conewago,  in  1847. 


THE  WORK  OF  FATHER  ENDERS. 


People  who  become  dearly  attached  to  a  man,  through 
personal  friendship  or  on  account  of  successful  accomplish- 
ments in  whatever  interests  them,  are  apt  to  think  that  after 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  71 

him,  no  more  such  able  leader  and  great  and  good  man  can 
be  found.  This  is  a  pleasing  delusion,  but  the  grandest  tribute 
that  friend  can  pay  to  a  friend,  or  inferior  to  superior.  His- 
tory is  filled  with  such  delusions,  and  the  world  has  learned 
by  many  a  sad  lesson  that  no  matter  how  great  and  eminent 
the  man  in  any  profession,  work  or  calling  in  life,  there  is 
always  someone  to  take  his  place  and  continue  what  he  may 
have  begun.  Soldiers,  statesmen  and  rulers ;  learned  prelates 
of  the  church,  men  of  fame  in  the  arts  and  sciences — all  have 
shared  but  the  common  end  of  nature,  yet  the  world  moves 
on  as  fast  and  unconcerned  to-day  as  if  the  whole  universe 
was  the  work  of  its  hand  for  time  and  eternity. 

On  the  same  principle,  the  good  people  of  Conewago 
from  time  to  time  are  favored  with  a  Superior  so  kind  and 
well  beloved,  such  an  able  manager  and  successful  laborer, 
that  surely  they  say  his  equal  will  never  again  be  bad.  How 
little  did  the  dear  friends  of  Fathers  De  Barth  and  Lekeu  ex- 
pect Conewago  to  be  blessed  with  such  good  old  priests  again ! 
The  young  carpenter  priest  who  was  appointed  Superior  in 
1847,  became  not  only  such  a  blessing,  but  a  greater  benefac- 
tor, and  as  noble  a  father  and  kind  a  pastor  as  any  found  in 
the  annals  of  the  church.  Father  Enders  !  Go  from  one  end 
of  the  extensive  parish  of  Conewago  to  the  other,  and  from 
old  and  young,  rich  and  poor,  nothing  will  be  heard  but  words 
of  praise  and  fondest  expressions  of  remembrance  for  Rev. 
Joseph  Enders,  who  was  truly  a  father  to  all.  The  work  of 
his  hands  will  attest  his  love  and  devotion  for  Conewago  when 
the  generations  now  springing  up  shall  have  passed  away  and 
be  known  no  more.  The  congregation  is  larger  and  more 
prosperous  than  ever  ;  the  church  farms  are  better  cultivated, 
and  improved  with  substantial  buildings ;  the  Church  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  is  well  preserved  and  greatly  enlarged,  with 
handsome  spire,  marble  altar  and  rich  interior  adornments ; 
but  better  than  all  this  perishable  work  was  the  saintly  life, 
—  in  patience,  humility,  charity  and  resignation, — of  this  faith- 


72  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

ful  servant,  which  we  may  hope  has  brought  him  into  his 
eternal  reward.  In  that  communion  of  saints  which  reaches 
to  the  throne  of  the  Most  High,  we  trust  to  be  remembered 
in  the  prayers  of  those  who  only  lived,  labored  and  prayed 
for  these  entrusted  to  their  charge  here  below. 

The  want  of  a  larger  church  was  already  felt  at  Conewa- 
go  in  Father  De  Earth's  time.  There  is  a  drawing  of  a  pro- 
posed improvement  preserved  from  1828.  It  contemplated 
additions  on  each  side  of  the  main  building,  crowned  with 
turrets  and  centre  spire,  like  many  of  the  great  churches  of 
Europe.  The  first  thought  of  Father  Enders  when  he  came 
to  Conewago  was  to  enlarge  the  church  or  to  build  a  new  one 
in  some  other  part  of  the  parish.  There  was  no  church  then 
at  Hanover,  New  Oxford  nor  Bonneauville.  Meetings  were 
held  at  Conewago  and  at  the  principal  surrounding  points. — 
The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  the  Very  Rev.  Father  Provincial 
were  consulted,  and  their  opinions  announced  to  the  congre- 
gation. Their  views  were  the  same  as  those  of  the  Superior 
himself  and  the  largest  part  of  the  congregation,  all  agreeing 
that  it  would  be  best  to  enlarge  the  Conewago  church.  Hav- 
ing thus  decided  what  to  do,  Father  Enders  made  every  pre- 
paration to  begin  the  work.  At  a  meeting  of  the  congrega- 
tion, it  was  decided  to  appoint  a  building  committee,  and  the 
appointment  was  left  to  Father  Enders.  He  selected  Jacob 
Dellone,  Jacob  Smith,  Henry  Reily,  Charles  Will  and  John 
Busbey,  representing  the  different  sections  of  the  parish  ;  they 
met  and  elected  Father  Enders  Chairman  and  Treasurer. — 
Subscription  papers  were  drawn  up  on  the  10th  day  January, 
1849,  and  from  that  time  the  work  went  on  successfully  to 
its  completion  in  1851.  The  enlargement  was  in  cross-form, 
45  feet  wide  to  transept, — which  is  85  feet, — 125  feet  in 
depth  and  38  feet  high.  The  Sanctuary  and  part  of  the  old 
church,  had  to  be  removed.  The  new  part  then  covered  the 
oldest  part  of  the  graveyard,  where  several  of  the  priests  had 
been  buried.  Thus  of  the  eight  or  ten  Fathers  buried  there, 
there  is  no  mark  left,  except  of  those  buried  since  the  enlarge- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  73 

ment,  whose  remains  were  placed  in  vaults,  and  inscriptions 
added.  When  the  foundations  for  the  furnaces  were  dug,  part 
of  some  priests'  vestments  were  discovered.  The  heat  of  the 
furnace  now  almost  necessitates  the  removal  of  the  vaults 
from  under  the  altar. 

The  church  was  consecrated  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Kenrick, 
of  the  Diocese,  Aug.  15th,  1850,  assisted  by  seven  priests  and 
some  scholastics.  The  sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev. 
President  of  Mt.  St.  Mary's  College. 

The  old  church  having  been  adorned  with  rare  paintings, 
it  was  necessary  that  the  new  part  should  be  made  to  corres- 
pond in  interior  decorations.  Francis  Stecher,  a  young  Ger- 
man artist  who  had  already  gained  some  reputation  as  a 
painter,  was  engaged,  and  to  his  skill  and  taste  Conewago  is 
indebted  for  the  beautiful  adornment  of  its  walls.  The  artist 
returned  to  Europe  to  further  prosecute  his  studies,  and  visit 
his  parents,  but  died  there  soon  after  his  arrival.  He  certain- 
ly gave  promise  of  great  fame  as  an  artist,  and  Conewago 
may  well  hold  his  name  in  grateful  remembrance. 

Father  Enders  continued  Superior  until  1862,  when  he 
was  sent  to  Leonarcltown,  St.  Mary's  County,  Md.,  where  he 
acted  as  Superior  and  built  a  church.  There  were  a  number 
of  priests  at  Conewago  while  Father  Enders  was  Superior, 
but  no  dates  can  be  given,  and  only  such  names  as  memory 
hands  down  to  us.  Rev.  F.  X.  Deneckere  came  with  Father 
Enders  and  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  on  the  Conewago 
missions.  Fathers  Enders,  Deneckere  and  Manns,  constituted 
a  happy  family,  and  labored  together  for  many  years.  Father 
Manns  survives,  and  is  still  at  Conewago.  He  came  in  1862. 
Fathers  Villiger,  Cotting,  Dougherty,  Kreighton,  Dietz,  Rieter, 
Haller,  and  others,  served  from  time  to  time  at  Conewago. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Cattani  succeeded  Father  Enders  as  Superior 
about  I860  or  1862.  His  death-record  says  he  was  a  Bavar- 
ian, born  Aug.  30th,  1805,  and  died  at  Conewago  Aug.  31st, 
1865.  Father  Burchard  Villiger  probably  succeeded  him  as 
Superior,  assisted  by  Fathers  Deneckere,  Manns,  Domperio, 


74  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Tuffer,  and  others.  Rev.  J.  J.  Bellwalder  was  Superior  about 
1869.  There  is  nothing  special  to  record  during  these  years. 
The  church-work  was  carried  on  at  home  by  several  of  the 
Fathers,  while  others  were  out  on  the  missions  on  Sundays 
and  holidays,  and  whenever  duty  called  them. 


FATHER  ENDERS  RETURNS. 


In  1870  or  1871,  Father  Enders  was  returned  to  Cone- 
wago  as  Superior.  He  was  then  beginning  to  suffer  from  the 
infirmities  of  increasing  years,  especially  from  an  ulcerous 
sore  on  his  leg,  which  caused  him  great  pain  to  the  end  of  his 
life.  Though  getting  old  in  years,  his  mind  and  energy  were 
as  vigorous  as  in  former  days,  and  he  began  the  work  of 
church  improvement  at  Conewago  with  his  characteristic  ear- 
nestness. In  1873,  he  had  the  old  cupola  removed  and  the 
present  attractive  spire  erected.  It  is  80  feet  in  height  from 
the  comb  of  the  roof,  and  is  surmounted  by  a  beautiful  gilt 
cross,  that  can  be  seen  for  many  miles  around.  The  builder 
was  Elias  Roth,  of  New  Oxford.  From  the  upper  windows 
of  the  spire  a  wide  view  of  the  country  may  be  obtained. — 
Many  of  the  neighboring  towns  are  visible,  and  the  country 
extending  into  Maryland  and  along  the  mountains  to  the 
north  and  west.  On  a  clear  day  late  in  the  fall,  Father  Den- 
eckere  was  sure  he  could  see  some  of  the  Mt.  St.  Mary  build- 
ings. He  had  a  small  telescope,  and  took  great  pleasure  in 
viewing  the  valley  from  this  high  ground. 

Father  Enders  made  many  improvements  around  the 
church.  He  built  the  two  school  houses,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  churchyard,  when  he  was  here  the  first  time,  and  had  the 
iron  railing  erected.  He  also  enlarged  the  kitchen  buildings, 
had  the  water  brought  up  from  a  spring  at  the  bottom  of  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  75 

hill,  and  put  hot  and  cold  water  through  the  house,  supplied 
from  a  large  tank  on  the  kitchen  attic.  The  water  was  first 
forced  up  by  hydraulic  pressure,  then  by  a  system  of  water 
works,  and  now  by  a  patent  wind  mill,  which  also  grinds  the 
mill  feed  and  saws  the  wood.  He  planted  a  large  vineyard 
after  his  return,  and  made  great  quantities  of  wine.  Father 
Enders  hardly  knew  an  idle  moment. 

From  the  time  the  church  was  enlarged  by  Father  En- 
ders, he  never  gave  up  the  thought  of  one  day  erecting  in 
Conewago  Chapel  a  marble  altar.  The  church  was  otherwise 
a  model  of  architectural  beauty,  but  in  this  particular  there 
was  a  noticeable  want.  This  last  object  of  his  life  was  accom- 
plished in  1877,  when  he  himself  went  around  through  the 
parish  soliciting  contributions  towards  its  payment.  It  is  a 
beautiful  piece  of  art  and  workmanship,  and  cost  about  $^000. 
The  contractor  was  John  Barth,  Bel  Air  Avenue  Marble 
Works,  Baltimore,  at  one  time  a  marble  cutter  in  one  of 
the  school  houses  at  Conewago.  Its  architecture  corresponds 
with  that  of  the  church,  being  of  the  Romanesque  or  Com- 
posite order.  The  altar  is  seventeen  feet  in  width,  and  thir- 
teen and  a  half  feet  in  height.  The  ante-pentium  is  formed  in 
a  crypt,  supported  by  four  columns.  The  marble  used  is 
Italian,  Spanish,  Portuguese  and  Tyrolese,  and  in  its  combi- 
nation taste  and  skill  have  brought  out  the  work  in  all  its 
grandeur.  The  Tabernacle  is  of  Carrara  marble,  with  col- 
umns copied  from  those  found  at  the  ruins  of  Palmyra.  At 
each  end  of  the  altar  there  is  a  pedestal,  surmounted  with  a 
capital,  having  on  its  face  the  head  of  a  cherub,  and  on  each 
side  of  the  Tabernacle  is  placed  a  worshiping  angel. 

At  this  period,  Father  Enders  had  a  new  roof  put  on  the 
church,  the  pews  repainted,  and  statues  placed  in  the  niches 
in  the  walls,  vacant  since  the  building  of  the  new  part.  SS. 
Ignatius  and  Aloysius  are  on  the  side  of  the  Blessed  Virgin's 
altar,  and  St.  Francis  Xavier  and  Blessed  Peter  Claver  on  St. 
Francis'  side.  The  church  was  also  re-painted  about  1880, 
and  the  outside  walls  repaired  by  pointing,  to  keep  out  the 


76  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

rain  which  had  begun  to  show  through  on  the  inside  and  dam- 
aged the  paintings. 

Father  Enders  was  assisted  principally  by  Fathers  Den- 
eckere  and  Manns  up  to  1880.  Father  Deneckere  attended 
Paradise,  Oxford  and  Littlestown  until  his  death,  Jan.  8th, 

1879.  Father  Manns  attended  the  schools,  the  Sisters  in  Mc- 
Sherrystown  and  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Hanover.  Father 
Emig  took  charge  of  the  Hanover  church   sometime  before 

1 880,  and  is  still  its  pastor.  Father  George  Villiger  succeeded 
Father  Deneckere  at  Littlestown  in  1879.  He  died  at  Cone- 
wago  Sept.  20th,  1882,  and  was  succeeded  by  Father  Renaut; 
shortly  after  that  the  Littlestown  church,  founded  by  Father 
Pellentz  and  Gallitzin,  was  given  over  to  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese. 

In  1880,  Rev.  Peter  Flannigan  was  at  Conewago,  and 
Father  Archambault  attended  Oxford  and  Paradise  :  Father 
Richards  is  now  pastor  of  these  places.  Fathers  Jamieson, 
Casey,  Dufour,  and  others,  were  at  Conewago  for  a  short 
time  about  1880  and  after. 

The  crowning  point  in  the  religious  life  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Enders,  was  the  celebration  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  his 
priesthood,  at  Conewago,  Aug.  15th,  1881.  He  himself  was 
the  celebrant  of  a  Grand  High  Mass,  with  Father  Casey  as 
Deacon,  Father  Brennan  Sub-Deacon,  Father  Archambault 
orator,  and  Father  Emig  master  of  ceremonies.  The  church 
was  filled  even  to  the  aisles.  The  altar  was  specially  decor- 
ated for  the  occasion,  and  the  music  prepared  for  the  same. 
It  was  a  happy  clay  for  all,  and  Father  Enders  received  a 
number  of  presents  to  commemorate  his  golden  jubilee,  be- 
sides the  congratulations  and  well  wishes  of  thousands  of  his 
loving  children.  He  was  right  feeble  then  already,  and  had 
to  be  supported  by  a  chair  on  which  to  rest  his  afflicted  leg, 
and  more  or  less  attended  by  the  Brother  while  on  the  altar. 
He  went  to  the  hospital  several  times,  but  could  only  obtain 
temporary  relief.  He  continued  to  say  Mass  to  the  last, 
though  the  book  and  everything  had  to  be  arranged  for  him. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  77 

He  was  removed  to  Frederick  in  Feb.,  1884,  where  his 
declining  days  could  be  made  more  easy.  He  could  not 
reconcile  himself  to  the  change,  except  in  obedience  and 
resignation  which  he  had  followed  all  his  life  ;  but  his  nature 
wanted  active  work  and  duty  to  which  it  was  accustomed  by 
3^ears  of  labor.  He  complained  that  now  he  was  of  no  use, 
and  seemed  ready  and  willing  to  be  dismissed  in  peace  like 
the  servant  of  old.  He  died  at  the  Yovitiate,  Frederick, 
Sept.  10th,  1884,  in  his  77th  year,  full  of  merits  and  good 
works.  To  the  last,  his  thoughts  were  of  his  old  home  at 
Conewago/  where  he  hoped  to  die  and  lie  buried,  but  alas  ! 
the  measure  of  his  reliance  upon  the  will  of  Clod  had  to  be 
full.  Conewago  !  Conewago  !  you  have  lost  the  best  of 
Fathers,  who  only  lived  for  Grod  and  His  children.  Gratitude 
should  have  prompted  you  to  have  gone  to  the  very  gates  of 
the  Society  and  begged  the  remains  of  your  faithful  Superior, 
carried  them  home  like  bereaved  sons  and  daughters  as  you 
are,  deposited  them  where  his  feet  loved  to  stand,  and  kept 
his  life  and  virtues  in  grateful  remembrance,  unto  succeeding 
generations. 

Father  P.  Forhan  succeeded  Father  Enders  as  Superior 
of  Conewago  in  June,  1883.  He  came  from  Frederick,  and 
was  stationed  at  Washington,  Baltimore,  and  other  places  in 
Maryland  during  his  former  ministry.  He  is  assisted  at 
Conewago  by  Fathers  Manns  and  Haugh;  Father  Richards  at 
New  Oxford  and  Paradise  ;  Father  Emig  at  Hanover. 

Here  we  leave  the  Conewago  Chapel  history.  It  might 
have  been  much  fuller  had  we  not  been  compelled  to  write 
it  while  conducting  other  business,  and  awa}7  from  Conewago  ; 
or  had  there  been  sufficient  interest  elsewhere  to  aid  us  in  the 
work.  Sketches  of  the  Fathers,  and  scraps  of  local  history 
which  the  want  of  time  prevented  a  record  in  their  proper 
place,  will  be  given  hereafter  just  as  they  come. 

Farewell,  Conewago,  farewell  !  The  happiest  joys  of 
my  life  and  its  saddest  sorrows  and  vainest  regrets  are  in 
thy  keeping.     Every  foot  of  thy  hills  and  valleys  and  streams 


78  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

is  familiar  to  me,  and  they  change  not,  but  the  scenes  of  my 
childhood  are  gone,  and  its  associates  scattered  like  the  mists 
of  youth.  Ever}7  nook  and  corner  of  thy  sacred  place  have 
I  hunted  over  by  da}7  with  miser  care  for  some  scrap  of  the 
past,  and  dreamed  by  night  of  treasures  of  hidden  lore,  and 
behold  the  meagre  fruits  of  my  labor  !  Time  guards  well 
the  trusts  confided  to  its  care. 

Conewago,  farewell !  Thy  happy  days  and  sorrowful 
chase  each  other  in  troubled  hurry  over  the  pathway  of 
memory.  Friends  and  dear  ones  have  come  and  gone  in 
faithful  trust,  true  and  lasting,  where  recreant  hopes  long 
since  have  perished  and  lie  buried  in  misery  and  anguish  of 
heart.  The  past  has  nothing  in  common  with  the  present  ; 
the  one  knew  no  care  ;  the  other  knows  no  quiet  rest  free 
like  then  from  trouble.  Where  are  the  bright  sunny  days  of 
school  life,  the  happy  faces  and  innocent  enjoyments,  the 
kind  teachers  and  dear  old  Fathers  ?  Look  back  and  see 
sorrow  mingled  with  gladness  :  the  sad  tolling  of  the  bell, 
the  mournful  funeral  procession  winding  its  way  around  the 
hill  ;  again  joyful  peals  where  sorrow  echoed  still  ;  happy 
souls  united  where  festive  throngs  made  merry  ;  Christmas 
chimes  and  Easter  carols  ;  tears  to-day  and  smiles  to-mor- 
row, and  forgotten  scenes  hurry  on  each  passing  hour.  Why 
look  back  or  why  peer  forward  ?  Has  not  life  been  always 
thus  ? 

Then  farewell,  once  more,  but  before  we  part,  heed  my 
words  generations  yet  unborn.  Conewago  has  been  as  dear 
to  us  as  will  ever  be  to  you  or  was  to  those  before.  It  is 
not  ours,  nor  yours,  nor  was  it  theirs.  It  is  blessed  by  every 
sacred  tie  from  Heaven,  and  as  a  religious  inheritance  guard 
it  well,  for  others  are  destined  here  to  find  their  rest,  Holy 
and  venerable  is  the  place.  Our  footsteps  follow  the  traces 
of  hallowed  lives,  unworthy  as  we  are.  Soon  we,  too,  will 
have  passed  away,  and  our  children  come  and  go  until  in 
God's  own  good  time  the  angel's  voice  sound  here  below. 
Ye  shepherds,  while  your  flocks  abide,  watch  the  old  building 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  79 

with  an  anxious  care.  "  Guard  it  as  best  you  may,  and  at 
any  cost  from  every  influence  of  dilapidation.  Count  its 
stones  as  you  would  jewels  of  a  crown  ;  set  watches  about  it 
as  if  at  the  gates  of  a  besieged  city  ;  bind  it  together  with 
iron  where  it  loosens  ;  stay  it  with  timber  where  it  declines ; 
do  not  care  about  the  unsightliness  of  the  aid  ;  better  a 
crutch  than  a  lost  limb  ;  and  do  this  tenderly,  and  reverently, 
and  continually,  and  many  a  generation  will  still  be  born 
and  pass  away  beneath  its  shadow." 


EDUCATION  AT  CONEWAGO. 


The  first  schools  in  the  Valley  like  those  through  the 
county,  were  mostljT  private  or  subscription  schools.  The 
missionary  Fathers  combined  the  primary  education  of  the 
children  with  their  religious  instruction,  which  was  never 
neglected  when  it  could  in  any  way  possible  be  provided. 
The  religious  instruction  of  the  children  continued  to  be  a 
part  of  the  ministry  until  late  years,  when  Sunday-schools 
and  parochial  schools  relieved  the  priests  to  a  great  extent 
of  that  labor.  Catechism  is  now  taught  in  the  schools,  and 
one  of  the  Fathers  visits  them  once  or  twice  a  week  to  give 
catechetical  instructions  and  to  prepare  the  children  finally 
for  Confirmation  and  Communion. 

Very  little  is  known  of  the  early  educational  interests 
of  Conewago.  Joseph  Heront  taught  a  school  near  the 
Pigeon  Hills  before  1800,  where  afterwards  the  Sulpitian 
Seminary  was  located.  Colleges  were  just  then  being  estab- 
lished, and  he  may  have  had  a  preparatory  course  in  the 
higher  branches,  or  for  the  young  men  of  the  Valley  whose 


80  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

parents  were  in  good  circumstances  and  who  desired  to  give 
their  sons  all  the  educational  advantages  then  possible,  for 
they  were  limited  compared  to  what  they  are  now.  Father 
Brosius  taught  a  school  at  Conewago  about  the  period  of 
1800,  but  of  what  nature  or  how  long  kept  up,  we  do  not 
know.  There  were  schools  at  the  church  then,  taught  some- 
times by  the  Fathers  and  at  others  by  a  lay  teacher  or  a 
Brother,  up  to  the  time  when  the  parochial  schools  were 
started.  When  Father  Deneckere  first  came  to  Conewago 
he  established  a  school  in  which  the  higher  branches  were 
taught,  something  in  the  order  of  a  preparatory  school  for 
those  who  might  have  a  vocation  for  the  priesthood.  This 
school  was  taught  by  himself  with  the  assistance  of  a  Mr. 
Gross.  In  18G8  or  1870,  Father  Deneckere  started  another 
preparatory  school  in  the  school  houses  then  standing  in  the 
churchyard,  and  one  of  which  has  since  gone  to  ruin  and 
been  removed.  He  had  as  high  as  eighteen  scholars  at  that 
tirfie,  and  kept  it  up  until  a  while  before  his  death.  There 
are  several  of  his  students  now  novices  in  the  Society. 
During  Father  Bellwalders  Superiorship,  Ed.  S.  Reily,  Esq., 
taught  a  select  school  at  the  church  ;  he  also  gave  lessons  in 
algebra  and  mathematics  to  Father  Deneckere's  scholars. 
David  Smith,  Esq.,  taught  a  winter  school  at  the  church  for 
several  years  after  Father  Deneckere's  death.  For  some 
years  satisfactory  arrangements  have  been  made  with  the 
Directors  of  the  Free  Schools  in  the  parish,  by  which  compe- 
tent  Catholic  teachers  were  employed  and  the  larger  scholars 
sent  there.  The  Free  Schools,  generally,  had  only  a  few 
scholars  of  their  own,  and  in  some  instances  they  were 
willing  to  provide  a  Catholic  teacher  and  pay  him  out  of  the 
school  taxes,  of  which  the  Catholics  contributed  almost  the 
entire  amount,  besides  keeping  up  their  parochial  schools. 
This  arrangement  was  allovved  by  the  Fathers  only  for  the 
larger  boys, — the  girls  and  smaller  boys  attending  the  paro- 
chial schools. 

In  Irishtown   there    is  a    Catholic    school    building  and 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  81 

church  combined,  called  St.  Peter  Canisius,  built  in  1868. 
Mass  is  occasionally  said  there.  Francis  Noel  taught  the 
school  for  a  number  of  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
Topper. 

A  Catholic  School  was  established  at  Mt.  Rock  a  number 
of  years  ago,  a  frame  building  having  been  erected  on  the 
free  school   lot  above    the  hill.     Miss  J.  M.  O'Neill  taught 

CD 

there.  A  stone  church  building  and  school  house  was  erected 
in  I860,  on  the  second  hill  west  of  Mt.  Rock,  on  land  given 
by  Charles  Smith,  and  called  St.  Charles.  Miss  O'Neill 
taught  here  awhile  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  from 
McSherrystown,  who  are  the  present  teachers.  These  schools 
have  a  large  number  of  pupils.  The  parochial  schools  were 
started  when  Rev.  Burchard  Villiger  was  Superior.  Father 
Manns  was  the  leading  spirit  in  the  Catholic  School  question 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  gave  religious  instructions  in  them 
once  or  twice  a  week.  About  1860,  Mass  was  said  in  a 
private  house  at  Whitestown,  along  the  H.  &  G.  R.  R.,  now 
discontinued.  In  the  last  few  years  steps  were  being  taken 
to  build  a  school  house  at  Flatbush,  between  Littlestown  and 
Bonneauville. 

The  Sisters  of  Charity  were  established  in  McSherrys- 
town, by  a  Board  of  Trustees,  in  1834.  They  arrived  June 
20th,  and  opened  their  school  that  month.  They  were  from 
St.  Joseph's,  Fmmettsburg,  and  the  School  was  dedicated  to 
St.  John  the  Baptist.  Sisters  Anne  and  Agnes  were  the  two 
first  Sisters.  They  met  with  such  success  that  application 
was  made  to  Rev.  Mr.  Hickey,  then  Superior  of  the  Sisters 
of  Charity,  for  more  assistance,  and  Sister  Mary  Cecilia  was 
sent  to  aid  them.  After  that  four  or  five  Sisters  were 
employed.  Their  house  became  too  small  for  the  increasing- 
number  of  scholars  and  boarders ;  an  unfinished  house  was 
purchased  from  Mr.  Slagle  for  $2200,  and  their  work  con- 
tinued, until  the  academy  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1840.     The  house  was  rebuilt  by  the  trustees  and  sold  with 


82  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OE 

five  acres  of  ground  to  a  branch  of  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred 
Heart,  by  whom  it  was  enlarged  and  successfully  conducted 
until  1851,  when  they  left  and  located  at  Eden  Hall.  The 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  then  purchased  the  house  and  lands, 
and  the  institution  received  permanent  life  and  success. 
They  were  incorporated  Aug.  31st,  1854,  under  the  title  of 
the  McSherrystovvn  Novitiate  and  Academy  of  St.  Joseph. 
They  have  made  many  improvements  and  purchased  several 
additional  tracts  of  land.  It  was  managed  for  a  number  of 
years  by  Mother  Mary  Magdalene,  who  died  Aug.  22d,  1876, 
and  was  buried  on  the  25th, — Bishop  Shanahan  and  eight 
priests  attending.  She  was  succeeded  by  Mother  Ignatius, 
who  is  raising  the  standard  of  the  institution  in  every  way, 
enlarging  the  scope  of  its  work  and  making  such  additions 
to  the  buildings  and  property  as  necessity  demands.  Their 
objects  are  educational  and  charitable  ;  the  reception  of 
Novices,  the  education  of  young  ladies,  teaching,  visiting  the 
sick,  and  the  care  of  orphans. 

Since  the  consecration  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Shanahan, 
St.  Joseph's  Convent  has  become  the  Mother  House  for  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  in  the  Diocese  of  Harrisburg.  It  was 
formerly  a  branch  of  Chestnut  Hill.  A  large  number  of 
Sisters  are  employed  here  in  the  various  departments  of  the 
Sisterhood.  Several  of  the  Sisters  reside  at  Hanover  and 
teach  the  parish  school  at  that  place.  Others  teach  the  Mt. 
Rock  and  McSherrystown  parochial  schools.  The  boarding- 
school  at  the  academy  is  conducted  by  the  best  teachers  in 
all  the  higher  branches.  A  department  for  the  instruction 
of  the  blind  has  been  provided,  under  an  experienced  mem- 
ber of  the  community. 

The  school  is  furnished  with  all  the  facilities  for  educa- 
tional purposes.  It  is  located  in  the  Valley  of  the  Cone- 
wago,  well  known  for  its  landscape  beauty  and  healthfulness. 
The  buildings  are  large  and  roomy,  and  the  grounds  laid  out 
in  walks,  yards,  and  orchards.  The  land  is  farmed  and  used 
for  dairy  purposes,  thus  providing  the  best  products  of  farm, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  83 

garden  and  dairy  for  their  own  maintenance. 

The  want  of  additional  buildings  was  felt  several  years 
ago,  and  efforts  were  made  to  erect  them.  The  chapel  was 
too  small  for  the  community  itself,  yet  many  of  the  old  and 
infirm  people  of  McSherrystown  were  accustomed  to  hear 
Mass  at  the  Convent.  A  priest  from  Conewago  Chapel  says- 
Mass  every  morning  for  the  Sisters.  The  erection  of  the 
new  building  was  begun  in  May,  1883,  and  completed  in 
May,  1884.  It  adjoins  and  communicates  by  a  two-story 
corridor  with  the  Convent  proper,  and  covers  a  site  55x65 
feet,  three  stories  and  attic  in  height,  with  pointed  turrets. 
The  architecture  is  of  the  semi-Gothic,  and  was  designed  by 
Mr.  J.  A.  Dempwolf,  of  York,  Pa.  The  building  is  entirely 
devoted  to  the  work  of  education,  and  the  accommodation 
of  the  pupils.  The  rooms  are  well  ventilated  and  thoroughly 
heated  throughout.  The  study-hall,  dormitories  and  recrea- 
tion halls  are  spacious,  and  furnished  with  every  appliance 
for  the  health,  comfort  and  convenience  of  the  pupils.  The 
Convent  property  includes  thirty-four  acres  of  ground.  The 
recreation  grounds  of  the  Academy  are  extensive,  and  con- 
sist of  a  fine  lawn,  walks  and  groves.  The  property  known 
as  Capt.  Brogunier's  lot  was  purchased  in  July,  1880,  at  a 
cost  of  $1246  ;  and  the  Ginter  lot  was  bought  in  June,  1884, 
for  $3000.  The  cost  of  building  the  Academy,  exclusive  of 
expenses  for  drainage,  paving  walks  and  such  improvements, 
is  $12000.  This  does  not  include  the  valuation  of  the 
original  buildings,  just  the  cost  of  late  improvements.  New 
day-school  buildings  have  also  been  erected. 

Conewago  has  not  given  many  sons  to  the  church,  but 
her  daughters  in  religion  are  numerous.  Of  those  born  at 
Conewago  who  became  priests,  we  can  only  name  Bishop 
Timon,  Fathers  Shanefelter,  Shorb,  Miller,  Sullivan,  Marshall. 
(I  think,)  two  of  the  Lillys,  and  Brothers  Rimbaugh,  Mar- 
shall and  Gulden.  There  may  be  a  few  others.  It  is 
impossible  to  name  all  the  Sisters.     McSherrystown  received 


84  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

quite  a  number,  and  many  made  their  profession  elsewhere. 
The  Fathers  at  Conewago  were  instrumental  in  many  of  them 
being  able  to  carry  out  their  intentions  of  becoming  religious, 
for  there  were  in  some  instances  great  obstacles  to  overcome. 
In  the  correspondence  of  the  Fathers,  the  most  touching 
tributes  of  gratitude  come  from  such  of  their  spiritual 
children  who  have  been  counseled  and  assisted  by  them  in  the 
direction  of  a  religious  life.     Happy  souls ! 


THE  "  SEMINARY  FARM." 


The  Sulpitian  Seminary  at  the  Pigeon  ITills  has  a  very 
important  connection  with  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  eastern 
provinces.  Many  eminent  bishops  and  priests  studied  at  the 
Pigeon  Hills  and  spent  their  vacations  there.  Its  history, 
like  that  of  other  old  land  marks  of  the  church,  is  lost,  and 
we  can  only  give  a  general  sketch  of  it  as  a  religious  institu- 
tion. The  place  is  at  the  foot  of  Pigeon  Hills,  in  Oxford 
Township,  about  five  miles  north  of  Hanover,  and  still  goes 
by  the  name  of  the  "  Seminary  Farm."  The  land  was 
originally  taken  up  b}*  warrant  from  the  proprietaries  of 
Pennsylvania,  issued  July  26th,  1750,  to  Henry  Gearnhart, 
(or  Kingheart,  illegible  in  old  deed,)  and  descended  to  the 
Lorimores.  It  contained  about  273  acres,  and  was  conveyed 
to  Joseph  Heront.  April  4th,  1794,  for  one  thousand  pounds, 
gold  and  silver,  which  would  seem  to  have  been  a  very  high 
price.  He  improved  the  property,  opened  a  select  school 
and  called  it  "  Herontford."  To  this  day,  Joseph  Heront  is 
spoken  of  by  the  older  people  of  the  Valley  as  a  monk  and 
a  priest,  but  we  are  not  sure  that  he  was  either.  Father  H. 
F.  Griffin,  one  of  the  oldest  Sulpitian  priests  living,  informs 
us  that  Mr.  Harent,  or  Heront  as  spelled  in  the  old  deeds, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  85 

was  an  exile  from  France  during  the  first  French  Revolution, 
and  that  he  was  a  private  gentleman,  but  may  have  studied 
for  the  priesthood  after  he  left  Pigeon  Hills.  The  Laity's 
Director}^  of  1822,  records  the  death  of  a  Rev.  Joseph 
Heront  in  1817,  in  the  Island  of  Martinique.  This  may 
have  been  "the  monk  of  Herontford,"  as  he  certainly  was, 
from  what  we  can  learn,  a  ver}'  intelligent,  seclusive  and 
pious  man.  Local  tradition  says  he  sailed  for  France,  his 
native  land,  and  died  on  the  way.  His  name  is  last  men- 
tioned in  the  deeds  about  1810. 

John  Tessier  inherited  "  Herontford  "  by  the  last  will  and 
testament  of  Joseph  Heront.  recorded  in  the  office  of  the 
Register  of  Wills  for  Baltimore  County,  liber  W  B,  No.  K, 
folio  419.  Father  Griffin  thinks  Mr.  Heront  was  not  related 
to  Mr.  Tessier,  but  bequeathed  his  farm  to  the  Sulpitians  on 
condition  that  they  should  pay  some  outstanding  debts.  The 
lands  of  Nicholas  Bittinger,  James  McTaggart  and  Frederick 
Myers,  adjoined  the  Heront  property.  Frederick  Myers  was 
the  grandfather  of  Rev.  Father  Myers,  dec'd,  of  pious 
memory  in  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore.  It  was  through 
Joseph  Heront,  and  by  his  means,  that  Father  Myers  became 
a  priest. 

On  the  Feast  of  the  Assumption,  1806,  the  Abbe 
Dillet,  a  Sulpitian,  founded  at  Pigeon  Hills  "a  college 
intended  to  give  a  religious  education  to  boys,  whose  piety 
and  qualities  seemed  to  show  a  decided  vocation  for  the 
priesthood."  Pupils  were  received  on  the  recommendation 
of  their  confessor.  Conewago  furnished  some  of  the  students. 
The  Sulpitians  had  a  Seminary  in  Baltimore,  St.  Mary's, 
founded  in  1791,  and  Pigeon  Hills  was  the  preparatory 
school  for  this  Seminary.  About  1807  or  1809,  Rev.  John 
Dubois  founded  St.  Mary's  College,  Emmettsburg.  In  the 
spring  of  1809,  sixteen  scholars  were  transferred  from  Pigeon 
Hills  to  the  Mountain  School. 

June  3d,  1830,  the  "  Seminary  Farm  "  was  conveyed 
by  deed  from  John  Tessier,  president  of  St.  Mary's.  Balti- 


86  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

more,  to  Lewis  Regis  Deluol,  his  successor.  He  also  came 
in  possession  of  an  adjoining  tract,  the  deed  of  which  he 
obtained  from  Thomas  C.  Miller,  Sheriff  of  Adams  Co.  This 
latter  tract  was  no  doubt  the  property  of  Francis  Marshall, 
who  was  very  intimate  with  Father  Deluol,  and  whose  history 
is  not  very  plain.  Father  Griffin  knew  him  well,  and  thinks 
he  was  of  German  origin  more  than  French,  probably  from 
Alsace.  His  name  is  signed  to  various  old  deeds  and  con- 
veyances, and  he  wrote  it  "  Franz  Marschall."  He  was  no 
relation  to  the  Marshalls  of  Conewago,  as  far  as  we  can 
learn,  and  most  likely  came  to  the  place  through  some  of  the 
priests  who  were  from  his  own  country.  In  their  old  age, 
through  the  mismanagement  of  one  of  their  children,  mis- 
fortune overtook  them.  The  farm  was  sold  and  bought  by 
the  Seminary.  Father  Deluol  allowed  the  old  couple  to  live 
on  it  as  their  own  till  the  day  of  their  death.  There  were 
several  other  old  families  of  Marshalls,  of  which  Francis  and 
Joseph  were  descendants.  They  were  doubtless  French 
people,  and  may  have  come  to  that  vicinity  with  the  Xoels 
and  Dellones,  who  settled  there  from  France  about  the 
beginning  of  the  1700  era.  There  was  a  Father  Marshall,  a 
Brother  and  a  Sister  Marshall,  but  to  what  family  the}' 
belonged  we  are  not  informed.  Francis  X.  Marshall  was 
educated  at  Mt.  St.  Mary's,  and  ordained  at  the  Dominican 
Convent.  Perry  Co.,  Ohio,  A.  I).  1824  or  1825.  Father 
Griffin  was  present  at  his  ordination  and  served  his  Mass. 
He  afterward  returned  to  Maryland,  and  was  stationed  in 
Alleghany  Count}\ 

Father  Deluol  fixed  up  the  Seminary  property  as  a 
retreat  for  students  during  vacation.  There  was  a  fine  chapel 
there  and  buildings  for  the  students  ;  with  large  gardens  and 
orchards.  The  premises  were  laid  out  in  walks  and  lawns, 
and  everything  made  attractive  and  inviting.  The  students 
had  good  times  there,  and  like  boj's  will  be,  made  things 
lively  in  the  neighborhood.  Mr.  Peter  O'Neill,  then  at  the 
Conewago  Chapel,   did   the    hauling  back   and   forward   and 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  87 

lived  at  the  Seminary  a  while.  He  was  their  friend  and 
helped  them  in  their  pranks  and  amusements,  or  out  of  them 
rather,  by  fixing  up  things  when  anything  was  wrong  or 
complaints  made.  It  continued  to  be  used  by  the  students 
in  the  summer  until  1849,  (so  generally  given,)  when  St. 
Charles  College  took  its  place.  The  deed  from  Father 
Deluol  to  Henry  Eichelberger  is  dated  1847.  Once  every 
year,  on  St.  Ignatius  Day,  the  services  at  Conewago  were 
conducted  by  the  priests  and  the  students  from  the  Seminary, 
who  would  march  over  to  the  Chapel  in  grand  procession. 
Man}'  men.  afterwards  distinguished  ecclesiastics  in  the 
Catholic  Church,  visited  the  Seminary  and  Conewago  at  that 
time.  Father  O'Brien  was  Prefect  of  the  Seminarians. 
Father  Chance,  Professor  and  afterwards  President  of  St. 
Mary's,  gave  lectures  to  the  students  during  vacation.  Father 
Elder,  successor  of  Rev.  Chance  as  Bishop  of  Natchez,  and 
other  priests,  made  their  retreat  at  the  Seminary.  Father 
Eccleston  was  there,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Baltimore. 

When  the  Reign  of  Terror  drove  the  Trappist  Monks 
from  their  native  land,  they  resolved  to  seek  an  asylum  in 
America.  A  party  of  them,  eight  or  ten  priests  and  nearly 
twenty  lay  brothers,  under  the  guidance  of  Father  Urban 
Guillet,  embarked  at  Amsterdam.  May  29th,  1803,  for 
Baltimore.  They  proceeded  to  Pigeon  Hills,  and  remained 
about  a  year,  going  from  there  first  to  Kentucky,  then  to 
Missouri,  and  other  places,  finally  we  believe  returning  to 
their  native  country,  though  there  are  several  monasteries  of 
that  order  now  in  America.  While  at  Pigeon  Hills  the}T 
dug  the  well  on  the  "  Seminary  Farm."'  The  traditional  idea 
that  Joseph  Heront  was  "  a  monk,"  very  likely  conies  from 
his  association  with  these  Trappists.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
that  this  place,  so  dear  to  the  memory  of  the  church,  was 
allowed  to  come  into  the  possession  of  strangers.  A  railroad 
runs  near  it  now.  (through  one  of  the  fields,  we  believe.)  on 
to  Abbottstown  and  Berlin,  and  it  is  a  valuable  property. 


88  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

The  students  to  whom  it  was  once  a  dear  home,  would  know 
it  no  more.  It  was  the  home  of  the  exile  and  the  sacred 
enclosure  of  the  religious  ;  what  is  now  a  common  farm- 
house was  once  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  where  the  Holy 
Sacrifice  of  the  Mass  was  daily  offered.  Alas  !  how  Time 
leaves  ever)'  barrier  broken  down  in  its  way. 


THE  PARADISE  CHURCH. 


The  Catholic  Church,  at  first  called  Brandt's  Chapel  or 
Pigeon  Hills,  in  Paradise  Township.  York  Co.,  about  one 
mile  north  of  Abbottstown,  has  a  very  interesting  history, 
but  much  confused.  Exercising  even  the  best  judgment,  it 
would  be  difficult  to  give  a  clear  sketch  of  the  church. — 
Here  we  passed  nine  years  of  our  childhood,  and  are  as  well 
acquainted  with  the  parish  as  at  Conewago.  In  the  settle- 
ment of  the  country  at  an  early  date,  several  French,  a  few 
Irish  and  a  number  of  German  Catholic  families  located  near 
the  Pigeon  Hills,  around  Abbottstown  and  towards  East  Ber- 
lin. At  one  time  the  church  was  right  flourishing  in  num- 
bers, but  later  on  many  families  removed  to  Conewago  and 
elsewhere.  The  early  Catholics  attended  church  at  Conewa- 
go Chapel. 

Probably  the  first  Mass  said  in  the  neighborhood  was  at 
Abbottstown,  by  Father  De  Barth,  in  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century.  Mass  was  occasionally  said  in  the  house  of 
Wm.  Jenkins,  a  prominent  Catholic  of  that  place.  The  Jen- 
kinses were  probably  a  Maryland  family,  but  not  related  to 
those  at  Conewago.  There  are  few  descendants  of  the  fami- 
ly ;  none  that  we  know.  One  son  died  about  forty  years 
ago,  and  is  buried  at  Paradise  Church.  One  of  the  Keilys 
living  in  the  West  married  a  daughter  of  Wm.  Jenkins,  and 
one  of  the  sons  of  Baron   de   Bcelen  married  another.     The 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  89 

Wises  were  among  the  oldest  Catholic  families ;  the  property 
now  owned  and  occupied  by  the  Clunks  was  their  homestead, 
and  there  Mass  was  said  at  stated  times.  This  might  have 
been  about  the  period  of  1800. 

Among  the  first  Goshenhoppen  settlers  was  the  Brandt 
ancestry  from  Germany.  From  there  Frederick  Brandt  re- 
moved to  near  Abbottstown.  but  at  what  date  we  have  been 
unable  to  discover.  His  tract  of  land,  now  the  Paradise 
church  property,  is  called  "  Brandtsburg  "  in  the  patent  from 
the  Commonwealth,  a  full  title  to  which  lie  obtained  June 
28th,  1809.  The  same  tract  had  been  granted  by  warrant 
from  the  Proprietaries  to  Matthias  Bouzer,  dated  Oct.  28th, 
1746.  Frederick  Brandt  paid  $460.73  into  the  Treasury  of 
the  State,  which  with  the  moneys  paid  by  Matthias  Bouzer, 
gave  him  a  clear  title  to  the  land.  The  original  grant  was 
bounded  by  lands  of  John  Abbott.  Nicholas  Bittinger,  Wm. 
Mummert,  John  Jacobs,  Wardle  Kexer,  and  contained  235 
acres,  87  perches,  and  allowance  of  6  per  cent,  for  roads. 

Frederick  Brandt  was  an  intelligent  and  industrious  man, 
and  a  good  Catholic.  He  had  no  children,  and  no  relatives 
on  his  side  according  to  litis  will.  Mrs.  Brandt's  maiden  name 
was  Keens  ;  she  had  two  brothers,  John  and  Jacob,  and  her 
sisters  were  Catharine  Dellone,  Fve  Heidler,  and  Magdalene, 
whose  married  name  we  do  not  know,  but  the  grandmother 
of  Gregory  Dellone's  wife.  Frederick  Brandt  built  the  house 
now  on  the  church  farm  ;  part  of  it  was  used  for  a  chapel  be- 
fore his  death  and  after,  until  the  stone  church  was  built 
about  1844.  Brandt's  mill  was  one  of  the  first  in  that  neigh- 
borhood ;  the  site  and  old  water  courses  are  yet  to  be  seen. 
Frederick  Dellone  hauled  the  stones  for  the  mill  when  he 
was  eigteen  years  old.  Fathers  DeBarth  and  Lekeu  and 
their  assistants  attended  the  Paradise  Catholics  from  time 
to  time. 

Frederick  Brandt  made  his  will  Feb.  9th,  1815,  "being 
of  advancing  age."  He  left  his  personal  property  to  his  wife, 
with  whose    •' advice  and  consent ';   he  determined  to   appro- 


90  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

priate  his  real  estate  for  the  benefit  of  his  religion  and  his 
country  ;  "  for  as  God  has  not  blessed  us  with  any  offspring, 
and  our  brothers'  and  sisters'  children  being  very  numerous, 
the  said  estate  could  be  of  very  little  use  to  them  if  equally 
divided  among  all,  and  to  favor  some  more  than  others  would 
naturally  produce  jealousy  and  perhaps  enmity."  Therefore 
he  bequeathed  his  dwelling,  plantation  and  mills,  and  a  five 
acre  tract  lately  purchased  of  Clement  Steuthabeker,  to  his 
wife  during  her  life  or  widowhood,  and  after  her  death 
then  the  same  to  Rev.  Francis  Neale  of  Georgetown  College, 
"  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  in  fee  simple,  in  order  to  es- 
tablish thereon  as  soon  as  convenient  a  school  or  seminary,  or 
any  other  house  of  education  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  up 
3^outh  in  useful  literature  and  christian  piety ; "  or  if  more 
advisable,  for  a  school  or  Noviceship  for  the  reception  of 
young  men  destined  for  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  in  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church.  He  desired  the  property  to  be 
used  for  such  purposes  and  no  other,  -'and  that  it  be  never 
sold,  mortgaged  or  alienated  in  any  manner,  either  in  whole 
or  in  part,  for  debt,  security,  or  any  other  reason."  He  then 
provided  that  two  boys,  the  preference  to  be  given  to  those 
of  relations,  be  educated  either  at  the  school  to  be  established 
there  or  at  Georgetown,  out  of  the  revenue  from  the  farm,  ex- 
clusively for  the  priesthood,  and  thus  always  to  have  two 
boys  provided  for.  The  entire  purpose  of  his  will  seems  to 
have  been  twofold,  first  the  education  of  youth  for  the  minis- 
try, and  after  that  the  performance  of  worship  on  the  said 
plantation.  The  executors  were  Michael  Dellone,  Wm. 
Jenkins  and  the  testator's  wife.  Witnesses,  Franz  Marschall, 
Michael  Strausbaugh  and  John  Brieghner,  Recorded  in  York, 
Jacob  Barnitz,  Register.  There  is  a  codicil  dated  Jan.  26th, 
1820,  in  which  he  bequeaths  to  Rev.  Francis  Neale  a. five  acre 
lot  purchased  of  Isaac  Latschaw,  and  appoints  James  Mc- 
Sherry  Executor  in  place  of  Wm.  Jenkins,  dec'd.  John  L. 
Gubernator  wrote  the  will. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  91 

After  the  death  of  Frederick  Brandt,  the  widow  man- 
aged the  farm,  and  priests  from  Conewago  kept  up  religious 
service  in  the  chapel  of  the  house.  She  made  her  will  Oct. 
20th,  1829.  in  favor  of  Rev.  Francis  Neal  and  Rev.  Francis 
Dzicrozynski,  in  accordance  with  the  will  of  her  husband. 
She  had  a  schedule  of  articles  excepted,  signed  by  Rev.  Mat- 
thew Lekeu,  who  on  behalf  of  the  devisees  agreed  to  the 
conditions  of  the  will,  which  made  allowance  for  her  support 
and  maintenance  on  the  plantation  until  her  death.  March 
9th,  1839,  she  executed  another  writing,  by  which  she  con- 
veyed to  Rev.  J.  W.  Besditer  all  her  household  goods  and 
schedule  of  exceptions,  for  which  Rev.  Mat.  Lekeu  was  ac- 
countable, and  released  him  from  further  obligations.  In 
this  writing,  all  the  articles  in  the  front  room  and  second 
room,  which  she  occupied,  were  excepted.  It  is  witnessed 
by  F.  W.  Koehler  and  Jeremiah  Harman.  The  relations  of 
Mrs.  Brandt  were  somehow  under  the  impression,  whether  by 
word  oi-  promise,  that  the  $200  worth  of  goods  held  by  Mat. 
Lekeu  were  to  become  the  property  of  Mrs.  Heidler  after 
Mrs.  Brandt's  death,  but  there  is  no  provision  to  that  effect 
in  any  of  her  legal  transactions. 

In  1838,  Aug.  10th,  Rev.  Thos.  Mulledy  and  Win.  Mc- 
Sherry,  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  purchased  of  Magdalene 
Brandt  five  acres  of  land  for  $200  ;  Rev.  J.  W.  Beschter, 
witness.  This  lot  had  been  confirmed  by  the  Commonwealth 
unto  George  Dressier,  by  letters  patent,  dated  Jan.  7th,  1792; 
and  sold  in  1815  to  Michael  Dellone  and  Catharine,'  (Keens,) 
his  wife,  who  sold  to  Magdalene  Brandt,  Sept.  9th,  1828. 
Mrs.  Brandt  died  about  1840  ;  the  provincial's  notice  for  the 
usual  suffrages  is  dated  Oct.  1st,  of  that  year.  The  relations 
became  very  much  dissatisfied  with  the  provisions  of  the  will. 
Frederick  Brandt's  will  is  a  plain  document,  repeatedly  ex- 
pressing his  demand  that  religious  worship  should  always  be 
maintained  on  the  farm,  and  that  the  propert}T  should  be 
permanently  vested  in  the  successors  of  Father  Xeale   as  the 


92  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

legal  representatives  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  and  that  the 
revenue  be  exclusively  devoted  to  educational  purposes  in  the 
ministry  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  the  keeping  up  of  the 
property.  As  far  as  the  establishment  of  the  school  is  con- 
cerned, there  is  a  provision  in  case  of  impossibility  to  estab- 
lish or  maintain  one,  for  a  time,  but  the  ultimate  object  re- 
mains the  same.  The  property  is  valuable,  well  located,  with 
good  buildings,  a  new  barn  having  been  lately  erected,  and 
the  soil  yields  good  crops.  Some  years  ago  it  was  almost 
surrounded  by  dense  woodland,  but  the  most  of  it  has  now 
been  cleared  out.  The  Jesuits,  living  in  communities,  can 
not  serve  this  parish  with  much  advantage.  There  would  be 
sufficient  income  for  a  resident  priest,  but  for  the  educational 
provisions,  and  such  a  one  could  build  up  a  prosperous  con- 
gregation at  Paradise. 

When  the  disposition  of  the  property  was  in  question  after 
the  death  of  Mrs.  Brandt,  some  correspondence  was  carried 
on  between  the  Society  and  Bishop  Kenrick,  who  in  certain 
events  inclined  to  make  a  Diocesan  Seminary  there,  but  the 
location  then  was  not  convenient,  there  being  no  railroads 
near,  and  outside  of  the  establishment  of  a  school  he  consid- 
ered as  too  formidable  the  gratuitous  education  of  two  stud- 
ents. The  Society,  in  October,  1840,  through  Rev.  Francis 
Vespre,  expressed  a  willingness  to  relinquish  its  right  to  the 
property,  could  any  other  legal  claim  be  established  that 
would  insure  the  carrying  out  of  the  will  as  far  as  the  good 
of  religion  was  concerned. 

The  letter  from  Bishop  Kenrick  to  Rev.  N.  Steinbacher, 
authorizing  him  to  bless  t lie  new  church,  is  dated  Feb.  18th, 
1845.  Since  the  death  of  Mrs.  Brandt  the  Paradise  farm  has 
been  under  the  management  of  the  Superiors  of  Conewago, 
who  have  it  farmed.  Mr.  Allwine  was  the  tenant  under 
Father  Lekeu,  and  after  him  Lewis  Will  lived  there,  about 
the  time  the  church  was  built.  Since  then  it  has  been  oc- 
cupied by  the  Bradys.  Paradise,  Littlestown  and  New 
Oxford  formed  a  charge  until  recent  years,   with  alternate 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  93 

Sundays  at  the  former  and  latter  places,  and  on  week  days 
and  certain  festivals  and  odd  Sundays  at  Oxford.  Now  Par- 
adise and  Oxford  are  attended  by  Father  Richards,  with 
early  l^ass  and  High  Mass  alternating.  The  Paradise  church 
is  a  fine  stone  building,  with  large  yards  and  graveyard.  The 
church  was  built  about  1843  or  4,  by  Mr.  Kemp,  contractor. 
Messrs.  Frederick  Dellone,  Peter  Noel,  J.  J.  Kuhn,  and  others 
solicited  subscriptions  and  aided  in  the  work.  Father  Manns 
attended  about  that  time,  or  shortly  after  the  church  was 
built.  Mary  Dellone  (of  Peter)  had  willed  money  for  a  bell, 
which  was  procured,  leaving  considerable  money  over.  Fath- 
er Manns  insisted  that  the  money  was  left  for  a  particular 
purpose  for  which  it  should  be  used,  so  another  bell  was  add- 
ed and  two  bells  were  placed  on  the  church.  Father 
Beschter  was  pastor  of  Paradise  several  years  and  died  there. 
Fathers  Dougherty  and  Getting  attended  occasionally  while 
having  charge  of  the  Gettysburg  church.  Father  Steinbacher 
was  a  true  friend  to  Paradise,  and  took  great  interest  in  the 
congregation,  and  so  did  Father  Deneckere  after  him.  who 
served  from  about  1860  to  his  death,  when  Father  Archam- 
bault  succeeded  him.  Fathers  Sacchi  and  Villiger  were 
there  for  some  time  about  1850,  and  other  priests  from  Con- 
ewago,  as  best  suited  the  arrangements  of  the  Superiors. 
Father  Deneckere  started  a  summer  school  there,  taught  by 
Misses  Shane.  Fink  and  others,  but  the  congregation  is  too 
widely  scattered  to  keep  up  a  parochial  school.  Conewago 
was  the  burying  place  of  the  Paradise  church  for  many  years. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hair  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  person 
buried  at  Paradise.  As  far  as  we  know,  no  priests  have 
been  born  at  Paradise,  though  Fabian  and  Michael  Noel  and 
F.  X.  Brady,  of  Father  Deneckere 's  school,  are  now  novices 
in  the  Society,  and  Jos.  St  nil  linger  died  a  Seminarian  at 
Frederick  some  years  ago.  A  number  of  young  girls  have 
become  Sisters.  Catharine  Dellone  (Sister  Ann),  daughter 
of  Fred.  Dellone,  went  to  be  a  Sister  Dec.  5th,  1849,  at  Em- 
mettsburg,   and  died  July  16th,   1851,  at  Cincinnati,  where 


04  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

she  was  buried.  Henrietta  Wise,  in  religion  Sister  Bona, 
and  two  Misses  Kuhn,  probably  of  the  Berlin  family,  became 
Sisters ;  also,  Minnie  Koehler  (Sister  John  the  Baptist),  Sa- 
lome Noel  (Sister  Josepha),  and  Annie  Brady  (Sister  Francis) ; 
the  latter  three  took  the  veil  at  McSherrystown.  Mary 
Shane  also  became  a  Sister. 

After  the  death  of  Mrs.  Brandt,  Paradise  was  disturbed 
and  excited  by  mysterious  noises  and  appearances,  that  were 
attributed  to  supernatural  agencies.  The  Brandt  will  matter 
was  assigned  as  the  cause  of  such  unusual  happenings,  and  it 
excited  a  great  deal  of  interest.  Mrs.  Brandt's  figure  in  life 
was  well  known  to  every  person  in  the  parish,— a  little,  old 
woman,  bent  under  the  weight  of  years,  and  after  her  death 
imagination  only  needed  a  ghost  story  to  set  it  in  active  work. 
There  is  no  doubt,  however,  that  there  was  room  for  serious 
thought,  and  it  was  so  considered  by  the  priests.  The  mys- 
terious actions  were  mostly  confined  to  an  old  cupboard  in 
the  priest's  room, — which  served  as  a  sacristy, — in  which  the 
vestments  were  kept.  Father  Steinbacher  was  a  man  of  de- 
termined purpose,  but  failed  to  account  for  the  disturbances 
by  which  he  was  troubled.  At  night  he  would  call  Mr.  Will 
into  his  room,  and  stay  together  part  of  the  night  without 
hearing  the  least  alarm,  but  as  soon  as  he  was  alone  the  trou- 
bles were  renewed.  Mrs.  Will,  who  then  waited  upon  the 
priests  and  took  care  of  the  rooms,  assures  us  that  Father 
Steinbacher  subjected  himself  to  rigorous  fasting  and  contin- 
ual prayers,  until  his  health  began  to  sutler  and  he  was  taken 
away.  Father  Deneckere  came  soon  after  him,  and  made  in- 
quiry into  the  Brandt  will  affair.  He  then  started  a  school 
at  Conewago,  in  which  he  placed  boys  from  Paradise,  and 
besides  he  applied  some  of  the  revenues  of  the  Paradise  farm 
to  the  education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry.  From  his 
time  on  nothing  more  was  heard  of  the  disturbances.  The 
old  cupboard  was  placed  in  a  rear  cellar  of  the  house  where 
it  yet  stands  or  has  decayed,  like  all  else  ever  connected  with 
it.     Perhaps  this  account  would  have  rested  as  well  with  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  95 

past,  but  the  recital  of  such  facts,  attested  by  people  of  good 
character  and  reputation  still  living,  can  do  no  harm.  The 
church  daily  asks  for  eternal  rest  unto  the  dead. 

We  say  on  page  89,  that  Mrs.  Brandt  had  three  sisters, 
and  name  one  Magdalene  ;  that  is  a  mistake.  Her  own  name 
was  Magdalene.  The  third  sister's  name  we  are  not  able  to 
give.  Most  of  the  families  mentioned  were  intermarried,  and 
it  is  almost  impossible  to  trace  the  names  and  connections  of 
a  century  ago.  Also  on  page  91,  the  date  of  the  purchase  of 
the  five  acre  lot  from  Mrs.  Brandt  by  Fathers  Mulledy  and 
McSherry  is  given  in  some  of  the  first  pages  printed  as  1848, 
when  it  should  be  1838  where  not  so. 


THE  LITTLESTOWN  CHURCH. 

Littlestown  is  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  Conewago  mis- 
sions. The  first  Catholics  in  the  valley  around  Littlestown 
attended  services  at  Conewago  Chapel,  but  were  provided 
with  a  place  of  divine  worship  at  an  early  period,  they  being 
the  oldest  religious  congregation  in  the  town.  Erdman's 
Geography  and  History  of  America,  published  in  Germany 
at  the  close  of  the  last  century,  notes  the  existence  of  a  Cath- 
olic Church  at  Littlestown;  and  so  the  Boston  "American 
Gazetteer"  of  1797.  The  Fathers  at  Conewago,  beginning 
with  Fathers  Pellentz  and  Gallitzin  before  1800,  attended 
the  Catholics  at  Littlestown,  and  the  church  was  supplied 
from  that  place  until  the  fall  of  1884  or  spring  of  1885, 
when  it  was  given  over  to  the  charge  of  the  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese  of  Harrisburg.  The  first  priest  under  the  Bishop 
was  Father  Gormerly,  then  stationed  at  Bonneauville.  which 
two  parishes  were  intended  to  be  combined  ;  but  both  de- 
siring resident  pastors,  Father  Grotty,  of  Columbia,  became 
the  first  pastor  under  the  secular  administration. 


96  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

The  first  building  used  as  a  church,  was  situated  on  the 
northern  corner  of  the  lot,  afterwards  used  as  a  burial 
ground.  This  building,  occupied  as  a  dwelling,  was  convert- 
ed into  a  church  about  the  year  1791.  The  Trustees  at  that 
time  were,  Patrick  McSherry,  Joseph  Flauth  and  Henry 
O'Hara.  After  the  death  of  Father  Pellentz  in  1800, 
the  Littlestown  Church  was  attended  by  Fathers  DeBarth 
and  Lekeu,  and  their  assistants.  The  present  brick  church 
was  built  in  1840,  Michael  Dougherty,  S.  J.,  being  pastor  ; 
and  the  trustees  were,  Henry  Spalding,  John  Shorb,  James 
McSherry,  Jacob  Rider,  Dr.  J.  A.  Shorb,  Jacob  Baumgard- 
ner,  Joseph  Fink  and  Joseph  Riddlemoser.  The  old  frame 
weatherboarded  church  was  sold  to  Joseph  Aker,  Sr.,  and 
turned  into  a  house  on  the  Littlestown  and  Taneytown  road. 

From  that  period  there  was  a  succession  of  pastors  from 
the  Conewago  Fathers,  among  others  Fathers  Joseph  Dietz, 
F.  X.  Deneckere,  George  Villiger,  Peter  Manns,  Father  Rei- 
ter.  Father  Deneckere  attended  Littlestown  for  nearly 
twenty  years,  and  died  there  dan.  8th,  1870.  Father  Villi- 
ger succeeded  him,  dying  a  few  years  later.  Father  Reli- 
ant was  then  assigned  to  the  charge  for  a  short  time,  and  was 
the  last  pastor  attending  from  the  Society. 

A  very  fine  brick  school  house  was  erected  in  1867,  by 
Rev.  Father  Deneckere.  The  first  teacher  was  Miss  Mary 
Wilson.  She  was  succeeded  by  the  following  teachers  :  Miss 
Ellen  Heath,  Joseph  Smith,  Frank  Addelsperger,  Miss  Mary 
Fink,  A.  J.  Smith.  Miss  Emma  Shorb.  The  school  is  largely 
attended,  and  is  under  the  direction  of  the  pastor  of  the  church. 
The  interior  of  the  church  is  very  neat  and  attractive.  The 
congregation  seems  to  be  growing  slowly,  and  is  composed 
of  a  right  well-to-do  class  of  people.  One  of  the  oldest  Cath- 
olic families  in  the  town  is  that  of  Hon.  Win.  McSherry,  the 
name  of  his  father,  dames,  and  that  of  his  grandfather,  Pat- 
rick, appearing  in  this  record.  The  Shorbs  are  also  among 
the  older  families,  and  there  are  others,  descendants  of  the 
early  Catholics. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  9? 

The  Littlestown  Catholic  congregation  was  incorporated 
by  the  Pennsylvania  Legislature,  April  19th,  1840,  under  the 
title  of  "  The  Congregation  of  St.  Aloysius."  The  incor- 
porators and  trustees  were,  F.  X.  Deneckere,  S.  J.,  J.  A. 
Shorb,  Henry  Spalding,  Joseph  Fink,  Jacob  Baumgardner, 
Hon.  Wm.  McSherry.  Sebastian  O'Bold,  Jacob  Marshall, 
Andrew  Little. 


THE  HANOVER  CHURCH. 

St.  Joseph's  Church,  Hanover,  is  one  of  the  most  flourish- 
ing congregations  connected  with  Conewago.  Hanover  being 
a  growing  town  and  a  local  railroad  center  of  considerable 
importance,  the  church  property  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the 
Society,  and  may  in  course  of  time  be  further  improved  by 
the  Jesuits.  Conewago  had  on  several  occasions  been  select- 
ed as  the  site  of  some  Jesuit  institution  and  as  often  abandon- 
ed for  want  of  railroad  facilities.  Hanover  is  easy  of  access 
from  any  direction,  is  surrounded  by  a  prosperous  agricultu- 
ral community,  and  located  in  a  healthy  climate  and  in  a 
beautiful  section  of  country. 

At  an  early  date  there  were  a  number  of  Catholic  fam- 
iles,  mostly  Germans,  settled  in  and  around  Hanover,  attend- 
ing church  at  Conewago  Chapel.  When  Father  DeBarth 
came,  he  exerted  himself  in  every  direction  to  provide  places 
of  divine  worship,  around  which  Catholics  would  be  induced 
to  locate  and  grow  up  into  congregations.  From  about  1  822 
to  1 820,  he  said  Mass  occasionally  in  a  shop  or  old  school 
house,  on  a  lot  owned  by  the  Jesuits,  along  the  alley  east  of 
Baltimore  Street,  now  in  possession  of  Luther  Weigle,  Wm. 
Grumbine  and  Henry  Trone.  Peter  O'Neill,  living  with 
Father  DeBarth  at  that  time,  remembers  accompanying  him 
to  Hanover  on  such  occasions.  Besides,  Mr.  S.  AlthofF  is  in- 
formed by  an  old  gentleman  who  has  lived  all  his  life  in  Han- 
over, that  when  a  boy,  he,  with  another  lad,  found  the   door 


98  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

of  this  old  building  open,  and  they  entered.  They  found  a 
few  pennies  in  a  drawer,  which  they  appropriated  to  their  use  ; 
and  further  remembers  that  there  were  benches  and  an  altar 
in  the  old  building  at  the  time. 

After  that  we  have  no  knowledge  of  Mass  being  celebra- 
ted in  Hanover  until  about  1863,  when  a  large  room  in  the 
house  qf  Jacob  Hildt,  on  Carlisle  Street,  was  used  for  that 
purpose  by  Father  Domperio.  Mass  was  continued  to  be 
said  there  and  instructions  given  to  the  children,  until  1864, 
when  it  became  too  small  and  the  desire  for  a  regular  place 
of  worship  prompted  such  action  as  would  secure  that  need. 
Rev.  J.  B.  Cattani  was  then  Superior  of  Conewago,  to  whom 
the  trustees  of  the  M.  E.  Church  of  Hanover  conveyed  their 
lot  and  church  building  on  Baltimore  Street,  60  feet  front  and 
25  feet  deep,  for  $900,  in  trust  for  the  Catholic  congregation. 
Rev.  Father  Manns  became  pastor,  and  services  were  held  on 
the  first  and  third  Sundays  of  the  month.  He  also  started  a 
Catholic  school  there,  which  soon  had  a  large  attendance.  To 
this  Father  the  Conewago  settlement  is  greatly  indebted  for 
the  establishment  and  support  of  parochial  schools,  under  ad- 
verse circumstances  and  with  many  obstacles  in  the  wa}r  of 
starting  them.  The  first  teacher  of  the  Hanover  school  was 
A.  J.  Smith,  succeeded  by  Miss  Alice  Del  lone.  The  Sisters 
from  McSherrystown  took  charge  of  the  school  in  1873  ;  Sis- 
ter Rose,  present  Mother.  School  had  been  kept  in  the  old 
church  building  for  a  while  ;  now  part  of  the  Sisters'  house, 
a  fine  building  between  the  old  and  new  churches,  serves  for 
that  purpose.  The  ground  occupied  by  this  house  and  the 
new  church,  90  feet  front  and  257  feet  deep,  was  purchased 
by  Father  Enders  for  $4500. 

The  congregation  gradually  grew  stronger  in  numbers. 
In  1865  an  addition  was  "made  to  the  church,  35x40  feet,  at  a 
cost  of  $2,145.  A  cupola  was  also  erected,  and  a  bell  costing 
$945,  and  weighing  1834  pounds,  placed  therein.  The  church, 
when  dedicated,  was  called  St.  Joseph's.  Then  already  the 
congregation  desired  more  regular  services.     In  Feb.,   1874, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  99 

a  numerously  signed  petition  was  addressed  to  the  Superior 
of  Conewago,  asking  for  the  regular  Sunday  service  at  Han- 
over. 

Rev.  Father  Manns  continued  as  pastor  until  1877. 
During  this  year,  Rev.  Father  Jamison  attended  St.  Joseph's 
for  several  months,  and  delivered  lectures  in  aid  of  the  new 
church,  then  proposed  to  be  built.  Rev.  Father  Enders,  the 
venerable  Superior  of  Conewago.  also  ministered  to  this  con- 
gregation every  alternate  Sunday,  during  the  close  of  Rev. 
Father  Mann's  pastorate.  Rev.  Father  Emig,  the  present 
incumbent,  became  pastor  in  the  fall  of  1877  ;  since  which 
time  the  congregation  is  attended  more  regularly — there  being 
the  entire  church  service  on  Sundays,  and  Mass  nearly  every 
morning  during  the  week. 

The  old  church  becoming  too  small,  and  being  also  need- 
ed as  a  school  building,  it  was  concluded  to  build  a  more 
creditable  place  of  worship,  and  to  carry  on  the  work  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  means  that  could  be  commanded,  so  that 
when  finished  it  would  also  be  paid  for.  This  resolution,  we 
believe,  has  been  faithfully  carried  out  so  far,  through  the 
great  perseverance  and  energy  of  the  venerable  pastor, 
Father  Emig.  The  building  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  1877. 
The  corner-stone  was  laid  Sept.  16th.  of  that  year.  There 
were  nearly  three  thousand  people  present.  A  procession, 
with  St.  Joseph's,  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Patrick's  I.  C.  B.  U. 
Societies,  of  York  ;  the  Citizens'  and  Spring  Garden  Bands, 
in  line,  marched  through  the  principal  streets.  Father  Clarke, 
of  Loyola  College,  Baltimore,  delivered  the  address.  The 
Fathers  present  were  :  Revs.  Enders,  Deneckere  and  Emig, 
of  Conewago  ;  Revs.  Clarke,  of  Baltimore  ;  Pape,  of  York  ; 
Shanahan,  of  Bonneauville  ;  Boll,  of  Gettysburg  ;  and  Koch, 
of  New  Freedom.  The  corner-stone  is  of  marble,  with  the 
inscription  "  1877."  The  building  Committee  consisted  of 
Rev.  Joseph  Enders,  Chairman  ;  Joseph  Dellone,  Vice-Presi- 
dent ;  Dr.  J.  P.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  Wm.  Overbaugh,   Secreta- 


100  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

ry  ;  Joseph  Althoff,  John  Clunk,  Joseph  Brockley  and  Am- 
brose Schmidt. 

Only  the  foundations  were  raised  in  1877.  The  build- 
ing was  put  under  roof  in  1878,  the  brick-work  of  the  tower 
erected,  and  the  bell  removed  from  the  old  belfry  into  the 
new  steeple,  which  is  154  feet  in  height,  The  interior  of  the 
church  was  partly  finished  that  year.  The  building  is  130x50 
feet,  with  a  neat  yard  in  front  and  a  large  rear  lot. 

The  new  St.  Joseph's  Church  was  dedicated  on  All-Saints 
Day,  1880.     The  Fathers  present  were  :    Very  Rev.  R.  W. 
Brady,  Provincial  of  the  Society  of  this  Province  ;  Very  Rev. 
M.  J.  McBride,  Vicar-General  of  the  Diocese  of  Harrisburg, 
(Bishop   Shanahan  being  absent  in  Rome) ;    Rev.   Louis  J. 
McKenna,  of  York  ;  Rev.  Hugo  Magevney,  Professor  of  Sacred 
Eloquence  in  Woodstock  College  ;  Revs.  J.  B.  DeWollf,  Ed. 
McGurk,  Dewitt ;   Rev.  Joseph  Enders,  Peter  Flanagan  and 
Francis  Casey,  of  Conewago  Chapel  ;  and  Rev.  J.  B.  Emig, 
pastor  of  St.  Joseph's.      Father  McBride  performed  the  cere- 
mony  of  dedication.     A  Grand  High  Mass  followed  ;  J.  B. 
Emig,   Master   of  Ceremonies  ;  Father   DeWolff,   Celebrant ; 
Father  Casey,  Deacon  ;  Father  Flanagan,  Sub-Deacon  ;  Fath- 
er Magevney  preaching  a  very  eloquent  dedicatory  sermon, 
from  the  Third  Book  of  Kings,    ';  Building,   I  have  built  a 
house  for  thy  dwelling,  to  be  thy  most  firm  throne  forever." 
The  choir  rendered  the  Kyrie,  Sanctus  and  Agnus  Dei,  from 
Bollman's  Mass  ;  and  at  the  Offertory,  "  Justus  ut  Palma,"  by 
Lambilotte.     The  cost  of  the  building  up  to  its  dedication 
was  $17,000.     The  pews  are  of  very  fine  finish  and  style,  and 
cost  $1200.     The  interior  of  the  church  is  roomy,  and  is  now 
very  attractively  finished  and  furnished.     The  windows  have 
stained  glass  ;  a  handsome  set  of  station  paintings  grace  the 
walls  ;  neat  altars  for  St,  Joseph  and  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  a 
fine  main  altar,  with  two  sacristies. 

A  large  organ,  and  other  embellishments,  make  the 
church  all  that  could  be  desired,  and  one  that  will  compare 
favorably  with  the  finest  in  the  Diocese.     St.  Josephs  is  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  101 

crowning  work  in  the  life  of  Father  Emig,  a  monument  to 
his  judgment  and  labor,  and  a  credit  to  the  liberality  of  the 
congregation. 

The  Catholics  of  Hanover  buried  at  Conewago  until 
1875,  when  a  large  Catholic  Cemetery  was  laid  out  on  the 
west  side  of  Baltimore  Street,  adjoining  Mt.  Olivet.  Four 
acres  were  purchased  for  this  purpose  in  1875,  at  a  cost  of 
$800. 

Dr.  J.  P.  Smith,  a  very  wealthy  and  prominent  Catholic 
of  the  congregation,  died  a  few  years  ago,  leaving  all  his 
means  to  the  town  for  a  public  library.  At  that  time  Father 
Emig,  aged  and  infirm,  was  going  almost  from  house  to  house 
in  his  efforts  to  raise  the  money  to  build  a  church. 

Mrs.  Mary  Smith,  nee  Dellone,  died  about  the  time  it 
was  proposed  to  build  a  new  church,  for  which  she  left  $1000, 
and  $700  for  Sanctuary  purposes. 

St.  Joseph's  Catholic  Beneficial  Society  was  organized 
March  7th,  1882,  Charles  Losman,  President.  J.  A.  Renaut 
succeeded  him.     The  membership  is  5G. 

Mary  Elizabeth  Barnitz,  in  religion  Sister  M.  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Daniel  J.  and  Maria  L.  Barnitz,  joined  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Joseph  at  McSherrystown,  in  1875.  Anastasia  Hair, 
Sister  M.  Gertrude,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Caroline  Hair, 
joined  same  order  in  1874.  Elizabeth  Hildt,  Sister  Anacleta, 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Hildt,  became  a  religious  in 
1807,  with  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  near  Baltimore. 
There  is  another  daughter  of  the  same  family  a  Sister  of 
Charity,  received  about  1857  or  1858. 


THE  NEW  OXFORD  CHURCH. 


New  Oxford  is  not  quite  half  way  between  Conewago 
and  Paradise,  and  the  Catholics  living  there  belonged  to  the 
Conewago  congregation  before  they  had  a  church  of  their 
own.     The    Conewago  Fathers  taught  catechism  in    private 


102  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

houses  there,  long  before  the  church  was  built.  Mr.  Jacob 
Martin  donated  a  lot  on  Carlisle  Street  for  a  church,  which 
was  erected  thereon  in  1852, — Rev.  F.  X.  Deneckere  being 
the  attending  priest.  The  building  is  of  brick,  75x35  feet  in 
size.  It  was  enlarged  and  improved  several  years  ago.  The 
church  is  under  the  invocation  of  the  Immaculate  Heart  of 
Mary.  Father  Deneckere  had  charge  of  the  Littlestown  and 
Paradise  Catholic  Churches  at  the  same  time,  holding  services 
at  those  places  on  alternate  Sundays,  and  at  Oxford  only  on 
a  week  day  at  first  and  on  certain  holy-clays.  Fathers  Reiter 
and  Cattani  also  attended  New  Oxford  the  few  years  that 
Father  Deneckere  was  away  from  Conewago,  after  which  he 
returned  and  continued  his  attendance  at  Oxford  until  his 
death  in  1879.  New  Oxford  and  Paradise  were  then  formed 
into  a  charge  under  Father  Francis  Casey,  with  services  on 
alternate  Sundays  at  each  place.  Father  Arthur  Archam- 
bault  succeeded  him,  until  about  1884.  There  was  a  young 
German  Father  then  in  attendance  for  a  few  months.  Father 
Richards  is  the  present  pastor.  A  parochial  school  was  es- 
tablished in  1862,  by  Father  Deneckere.  The  following  are 
the  teachers  in  successive  order  :  Mrs.  Trayer,  Miss  M.  J. 
Felix,  Joseph  Smith,  Miss  Wager,  John  F.  McSherry,  E.  G. 
Topper.  School  was  held  in  the  church  until  1877,  when  a 
school  building  was  added.  Over  one  hundred  scholars  at- 
tend. The  church  membership  is  between  three  and  four 
hundred. 


THE  BONNEATJVILLE  CHURCH. 


Bonneauville  is  a  small  village  midway  between  Cone- 
wago and  Gettysburg,  and  about  four  miles  from  Littles- 
town.  Among  the  early  settlers  of  the  surrounding  country, 
were  many  Catholics,  who  then  belonged  to  Conewago.  After 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  103 

churches  had  been  built  at  Littlestown  and  Gettysburg,  some 

attached  themselves  to  those  places,  but  for  a  number  of 
years  no  strict  line  divided  the  congregations,  and  people 
went  to  the  church  nearest  and  most  convenient.  An  effort 
was  made  about  1850  to  build  a  church  at  Bonneauville  :  the 

i 

undertaking  was  then  thought  too  great  for  the  Catholics,  and 
was  not  advised  by  the  Bishop  or  the  Conewago  Superior. — 
Rev.  Basil  A.  Shorb  became  the  founder  of  the  Church  of 
St.  Joseph  at  Bonneauville,  the  corner-stone  of  which  was 
laid  Aug.  1st,  1859.  He  was  born  near  Littlestown,  educat- 
ed at  Mt.  St.  Mary's,  and  ministered  to  several  congregations 
before  he  chose  Bonneauville  for  his  field  of  labor.  He  had 
considerable  inheritance,  and  donated  much  of  it  to  the 
church  work  in  which  he  was  engaged.  It  was  through  him, 
and  by  this  means,  that  he  obtained  the  necessary  encour- 
agement from  his  Superiors  to  form  a  congregation  and  build 
a  church  at  Bonneauville.  He  died  April  4th,  1871,  in  his 
sixty-first  year  and  the  thirty-first  of  his  ministry.  Father 
Pope  succeeded  him,  and  built  a  large  brick  school-house 
near  the  church  in  1873.  Sisters  were  engaged  as  teachers 
for  a  time.  A  house  was  purchased  for  their  use,  but  was 
sold  again  after  the}r  left.  The  school  had  a  large  attend- 
ance. James  W.  Gubernator  taught  a  short  time.  Miss  M. 
Martin  teaches  this  year.  Father  Pope's  management  was 
not  as  prudent  as  was  demanded  by  the  ordinary  circum- 
stances of  the  congregation.  He  was  enterprising  in  other 
directions,  and  succeeded  in  having  a  daily  mail  established, 
changing  the  old-time  name  of  "  Bonaughtown,"  and  that  of 
the  Postoffice.  "  Square  Corner,"  to  the  more  modern  name 
it  now  bears.  The  congregation  passed  through  many  trials 
about  this  period,  partly  from  want  of  prudent  management. 
Father  Mcllhenny  succeeded  and  was  followed  by  Father 
Shanahan.  Father  Gormerly  is  the  present  pastor.  There 
is  a  fine  parsonage  adjoining  the  church,  and  several  lots  are 
owned  by  the  congregation.  The  church  belongs  to  the 
Harrisburg  Diocese.     In  Nov.,    1879,   a  mission  was  given  at 


104  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

St.  Joseph's  by  Fathers  Bausch  and  Kolp,  of  Boston,  during 
which  a  mission  cross  was  erected  on  the  east  side  of  the 
church.  A  cemetery  was  laid  out  about  1870,  with  a  vault 
in  the  center  for  the  burial  of  priests.  There  rest  the  remains 
of  Rev.  Basil  A.  Shorb,  founder  and  first  pastor  of  St.  Jos- 
eph's. The  churchyard  served  as  a  burying  ground  until  the 
cemetery  was  secured,  into  which  most  of  the  bodies  were 
then  removed.  When  a  boy  we  served  Mass  at  Bonneau- 
ville,  and  also  at  Paradise  and  Conewago  ;  we  shall  never  for- 
get the  fear  entertained  for  Father  Shorb,  but  in  many  wa}7s 
he  was  a  kind  man,  whom  the  Bonneauville  Catholics  will 
ever  gratefully  remember. 


THE  GETTYSBURG  CHURCH. 

For  many  years  the  Catholics  in  and  around  Gettysburg 
attended  divine  service  at  Conewago.  a  distance  of  about 
twelve  miles.  They  were  few  in  number  in  the  beginning  of 
the  present  century,  and  not  possessed  of  much  of  this  world's 
goods,  but  were  devoted  to  their  religion  with  that  character- 
istic devotion  of  Catholics  the  world  over,  which  induced  them 
to  go  to  Conewago  to  hear  Mass  on  Sundays  and  holy  days 
of  obligation,  notwithstanding  the  distance  or  inclemency  of 
the  weather.  The  erection  of  the  first  church  building  was 
commenced  about  1826,  on.  ground  given  by  Jacob  Norbeck 
on  Washington  Street.  The  church  was  built  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  Superiors  of  Conewago  Chapel — first  Father 
Louis  De  Barth,  then  Father  Matthew  Lekeu ;  though 
it  is  not  certain  that  Father  De  Barth  visited  Gettysburg 
often,  as  he  left  Conewago  in  1828  for  St.  John's  (now  St. 
Alphonsus')  church  in  Baltimore.  The  church  was  not  yet 
completed  in  1831,  for  on  the  18th  of  May  in  that  year,  dur- 
ing a  heavy  thunder  storm,  the  church  was  struck  by  light- 
ning. "  The  fluid  passed  down  the  cupola  and  the  wall  of  the 
church  to  thevfront  door,  marking  its  progress  by  forming  a 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  105 

groove  to  the  ground.  A  plasterer  and  several  other  work- 
men were  prostrated,  and  remained  unconscious  for  some  time. 
The  congregation  at  Gettysburg,  while  it  belonged  to  the 
Jesuits  of  Conewago,  had  no  regular  pastor.  Conewago  had 
many  missions  to  supply—  more  so  then  than  now — to  which 
ministers  were  sent  according  to  the  best  convenience  and 
judgment  of  the  Superiors.  Father  Michael  Dougherty  offi- 
ciated at  Gettysburg  alternately  with  Father  Leckeu,  who 
was  Superior  of  Conewago  until  1843.  After  him  came 
Father  Joseph  Dietz,  and  some  of  the  older  members  re- 
member Fathers  Kendler,  Geo.  Villiger,  V.  H.  Barber,  and 
F.  X.  Deneckere  among  the  priests  who  held  services  in  the 
old  church  at  Gettysburg,  between  1831  and  1850.  The 
new  brick  church  on  High  street  was  built  under  Father  J.  B. 
Cotting,  in  1852.  Father  Brocard,  as  Provincial,  authorized 
Father  Fnders,  Superior  of  Conewago,  to  build  the  Gettys- 
burg church.  The  agreement  between  George  and  Henry 
Chritzman,  John  Gilbert,  (or  Gailburt),  A.  B.  Kurtz,  David 
Ziegler  and  Joel  B.  Danner,  and  Fathers  Enders  and  Cotting, 
is  dated  Feb.  10th,  1852.  John  Martin,  Nickolas  Codori, 
Joseph  Smith  and  Jacob  Case  were  the  Building  Committee. 
The  contractors  were  to  receive  $3870,  and  the  old  material. 
Payment  was  made  in  full,  June  27th,  1853.  Up  to  this 
time  the  church  was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Jesuits, 
who  also  supplied  a  small  congregation  at  Millerstown.  These 
churches  were  then  handed  over  to  the  Bishop  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  were  formed,  with  the  Mountain  Church,  into  a 
charge — the  minister  being  resident  at  Gettysburg.  The 
congregation  was  now  served  in  turn  by  Rev.  Messrs.  B.  A. 
Shorb,  L.  J.  Miller,  A.  McGinnis,  until  I860.  Rev.  Joseph 
A.  Boll  became  pastor  soon  after  the  battle  of  Gettysburg, 
and  as  such  serves  yet.  Gettysburg  and  Fairfield  form  the 
present  charge — the  mountain  church  having  been  later  join- 
ed to  the  Chambersburg  charge — and  is  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Bishop  of  Harrisburg.  A  handsome  parsonage  was 
built  nearly  opposite  the  church  in  1870  or  1871,  and  about 


106  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

three  years  ago  a  fine  school  building  was  erected.  The 
name  of  the  church  is  St.  Francis  Xavier's.  Father  Boll  trav- 
eled through  Europe  and  the  Holy  Land,  in  1881  or  '82.  On 
his  return  he  delivered  several  lectures  on  the  subject  for 
church  benefits.  Several  years  later  he  was  appointed  to  the 
Lebanon  church,  but  shortly  after  he  was  returned  to  Get- 
tysburg again. 


THE  "  MOUNTAIN  CHURCH." 


St.  Ignatius'  Catholic  Church,  better  known  as  the 
Mountain  Church,  is  situated  in  the  Buchanan  Valley,  five 
miles  from  GraetTenburg,  near  Mr.  Kimple's  Mill,  on  the 
road  to  Corwell's.  It  is  about  ten  miles  west  of  Gettysburg, 
in  Franklin  Twp.,  Adams  Co.,  almost  on  the  Franklin  County 
line.  This  church  was  originated  by  a  Mr.  Lostetter,  who 
gave  150  acres  of  land,  and  the  money  to  build  a  church  was 
collected  through  the  adjoining  counties.  The  corner-stone 
was  laid  Oct.  10th,  1810.  There  was  an  old  Catholic  grave- 
yard on  the  tract  long  before  the  church  was  built.  The 
first  settlers  of  the  Valley  were  Irish  and  named  their  estates 
according  to  the  baronial  system  of  Great  Britain.  Mr.  F. 
Cole's  tract  was  originally  called  "  Armagh."  The  first  church 
consisted  of  nothing  but  the  walls,  a  table  being  used  for  an 
altar.  Mr.  Lostetter  failing  in  business,  the  tract  was  sold  at 
Sheriff's  sale,  and  was  purchased  by  the  Jesuits  of  George- 
town and  Conewago  Chapel.  The  first  services  at  this  place 
were  held  in  Mr.  Andrew  Noel's  house.     The  ministers  serv- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  107 

ing  this  congregation  from  Conewago  Chapel,  were,  Revs. 
Louis  De  Barth  and  Matthew  Lekeu  until  1829  ;  Rev.  Mich- 
ael Dougherty  from  that  period  until  about  1840  ;  Rev.  Fath- 
er Kendler  in  1843  ;  Rev.  Joseph  Dietz  from  1844  to  1850  ; 
Rev.  Father  Cattani  then  attended  the  congregation  for  a 
short  period  ;  Rev,  J.  B.  Cotting  from  1850  to  1853  ;  Rev.  F. 
X.  Deneckere  until  1858.  These  Fathers  also  attended  Get- 
tysburg and  Millerstown,  the  latter  congregation  being  few  in 
numbers  had  as  yet  never  been  asked  to  contribute  anything 
for  the  support  of  the  pastor.  They  now  petitioned  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Philadelphia  to  supply  them  with  a 
pastor,  which  was  complied  with  on  condition  that  Gettys- 
burg, the  Mountain  Church,  and  Millerstown  formed  one 
charge — the  pastor  to  reside  at  Gett}7sburg.  The  ministers 
supplying  the  charge  from  this  time  (1858)  were,  Rev. 
Messrs.  Basil  A.  Shorb,  to  1859  ;  L.  J.  Miller.  1860  ;  A. 
McGinnis  until  1863  ;  Joseph  A.  Boll  from  1864  to  1873. 
The  congregation  was  then  connected  with  the  Chambersburg 
charge — Path  Valley,  Waynesboro',  Chambersburg,  and  the 
Mountain  church — J.  M.  Boetzkes  and  D.  A.  Riley  serving 
from  1873  to  1875.  and  T.  J.  Fleming  and  Joseph  Kaelin 
from  that  time  until  1880,  and  since  that  time  attended  by 
the  Chambersburg  priests.  Services  were  held  once  a  month 
under  the  Jesuits,  and  since  then  twice  a  month.  Father 
Cotting  was  desirous  of  selling  the  land,  but  Mr.  George  Cole 
suggested  that  it  be  laid  out  in  lots,  and  sold  only  to  Catho- 
lics, in  order  to  strengthen  the  congregation  and  keep  them 
together,  which  was  accordingly  done,  in  lots  of  ten,  fifteen 
and  twenty  acres.  Messrs.  George  Cole  and  John  Brady 
purchased  eight  acres  of  woodland,  and  donated  it  to  the 
church,  to  be  used  only  for  supplying  firewood.  The  first  re- 
pairs of  the  church  were  made  by  Father  Dietz,  who  built 
the  first  altar.  Father  Cotting  put  pews  in  the  church,  pro- 
cured a  bell  and  an  organ,  and  made  other  improvements. 
Father  Fleming  repainted,  and  otherwise  remodeled  the  church 
during  the  summer  of  1880. 


108  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

THE  TANEYTOWN  CHURCH. 

This  is  the  oldest  town  in  Carroll  Co.,  Md.  It  was  laid  out 
about  the  year  1750,  by  Frederick  Taney,  who  came  from 
Calvert  Co.,  Md.  He  was  a  Catholic,  and  a  member  of  the 
family  of  Roger  B.  Taney,  the  late  Chief  Justice  of  the  U.  S. 
Supreme  Court.  By  the  way,  Roger  B.  Taney,  Catholic, 
and  Anne  P.  C.  Key,  Baptist-Protestant,  (a  sister  of  F.  Scott 
Key,)  were  married  Jan.  7th,  180G,  by  Rev.  Nicholas  Zocchi, 
Pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Taneytown.  As  far  back  as 
1790,  there  are  records  of  Mass  having  been  celebrated  at 
private  dwellings  by  Fathers  Frambaugh,  Pellentz,  Brosiusand 
Cerfoumont,  S.  J.,  all  of  whom  came  hither  from  Cone- 
wago.  Prince  De  Gallitzin,  who  was  ordained  by  Bishop 
Carroll,  March  18th,  1795,  although  a  Sulpician,  was  located 
for  a  time  at  Conewago,  and  also  attended  this  mission,  as 
well  as  Hagerstown  and  Cumberland  in  Md.,  Chambersburg, 
Path  Valley  and  Huntingdon,  in  Penn.  Rev.  A.  A.  Lambing, 
in  his  History  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Western  Pennsylva- 
nia, says  that  Father  Gallitzin  left  Taneytown  and  went  to 
the  Alleghany  Mountains  because  he  was  opposed  to  the  pew- 
rent  system.  This  statement  is  inaccurate,  for  pews  were 
first  rented  here  in  1876,  when  the  present  St.  Joseph's 
Church  was  built.  Previous  to  that  time  the  subscriptions 
for  the  support  of  the  priest,  (and  they  were  very  meagre,) 
were  collected  by  the  Trustees. 

Prominent  among  the  early  Catholic  settlers  hereabouts, 
were  the  Taneys,  Coskerys,  Brookes,  Hughes,  Spaldings, 
Boyles,  Elders,  Adlespergers,  Diffendals,  Gougers,  Toppers, 
Riffles,  and  others.  About  1796,  Mr.  Brookes  built  the  first 
Catholic  Church  here,  at  his  own  expense.  It  was  of  brick, 
made  near  the  town.  Father  Gallitzin  was  the  first  pastor  of 
St.  Joseph's.  From  a  letter  of  Bishop  Carroll  to  the  Rev. 
Pastor,  dated  Washington,  March  1st,  1799,  (Brownson's  Life 
of  G.  p.  Ill,)  we  infer  that  Father  Gallitzin  left  here  about 
that  time.     From   1799   to  1804,  Taneytown  was  again  at- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  109 

tended  by  priests  from  Conewago.  Rev.  Nicholas  Zocchi,  a 
secular  priest,  was  born  in  Rome,  Italy,  in  1773,  and  was  or- 
dained at  Milan,  probably  in  1797.  He  came  to  this  country 
and  was  appointed  pastor  here  in  1804.  He  is  said  to  have 
been  a  priest  of  great  learning,  and  remarkable  executive 
ability.  In  addition  to  the  places  mentioned,  he  visited  Mar- 
tinsburg,  Va.,  (now  W.  Va.)  and  Westminster,  Md.  At  the 
latter  place,  in  1805,  he  built  a  neat  brick  edifice,  called 
"  Christ  Church  ;  "  the  first  church,  a  frame  structure,  was 
built  in  1785.  four  acres  of  land  having  been  given  to  the 
Catholics  by  John  Logston,  after  the  Revolutionary  War. 
The  church  built  by  Father  Zocchi.  made  way  in  1866  for  the 
present  handsome  brick  church,  built  by  the  zealous  and  be- 
loved Father  John  Gloyd,  P.  P. 

After  a  pastorate  of  41  years,  good  Father  Zocchi  died 
at  Taneytown,  Dec.  17th,  1845,  and  was  buried  here  on  the 
20th  hist.  The  celebrated  Rev.  Dr.  McCaffrey,  then  Presi- 
dent of  Mt.  St.  Mary's  College,  preached  the  sermon.  The 
funeral  was  the  largest  ever  seen  here, — Catholics  and  Pro- 
testants coming  in  their  sleighs  from  all  parts  of  the  county. 
One  may  form  some  idea  of  the  extent  of  his  labors,  when  it 
is  known  that  at  least  twelve  priests  are  employed  on  those 
missions.  It  is  true  that  Catholics  and  Churches  have  multi- 
plied, but  Father  Zocchi  had  to  travel  over  that  vast  territory 
in  the  interest  of  the  few  Catholics  (comparatively  speaking) 
scattered  over  his  several  missions.  It  was  certainly  no 
small  labor  to  go  a  distance  of  150  or  200  miles  at  times  to 
attend  a  sick  call,  especially  as  the  journey  had  then  to  be 
made  on  horseback  or  in  some  unwieldy  conveyance. 

From  the  death  of  Father  Zocchi  until  the  close  of  the 
year  1851,  this  mission  was  served  by  the  secular  priests, 
Flautt,  McCaffrey,  D.  D.,  Elder,  of  Mt.  St.  Mary's  College  ; 
and  Rev.  Messrs.  Stelzig,  Tapput,  and  Krutel,  Redemptorists, 
of  Baltimore.  Frequent  visits  were  also  made  by  Father 
Dietz,  S.  J. 

In  Dec,   1851,  Rev.  Thos.  O'Neill  was  appointed  pastor, 


110  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

and  remained  in  charge  until  Nov.,  1862.  He  also  attended 
Westminster  and  New  Windsor,  in  the  same  county.  At  the 
latter  place,  in  1861,  he  built  St.  Thomas'  Church.  Leaving 
here  in  1862,  Father  Tom  became  pastor  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Ellicott's  City,  where  he  remained  several  years,  zealously 
discharging  his  duties.  He  then  retired  to  Mt.  St.  Mary's 
College,  where  he  died  Nov.  21st,  1874,  aged  about  72  years. 
A  tall  marble  monument,  of  beautiful  design,  marks  his  grave, 
placed  there  by  his  friend  and  executor,  Rev.  John  Gloyd. 

In  Nov.,  1862,  Father  Gloyd  succeeded  to  the  pastorate 
here,  and  in  1869  removed  to  Westminster,  which  then  be- 
came the  headquarters  of  the  mission.  This  was  done  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  wishes  of  Archbishop  Spalding, — West- 
minster being  the  county-seat.  In  May,  1871,  Rev.  R,  W. 
Hazeland,  a  native  of  England,  was  appointed  assistant  to 
Father  Gloyd,  and  they  attended  Taneytown,  Deer  Park 
Chapel,  and  St.  Mary's,  Union  Mills,  Carroll  Co.  Father 
Hazeland  left  for  the  West  in  Jan.,  1873,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Casper  Schmitt,  who  was  ordained  in  Baltimore, 
Dec.  21st,  1872.  In  Nov.,  1873,  Rev.  John  T.  Delaney  was 
made  assistant  to  Father  Gloyd  ;  and  in  1876,  St.  Bartholo- 
mew's, Manchester,  was  added  to  the  missions.  This  church 
was  built  by  the  Redemptorists,  and  served  by  them  until 
placed  under  the  care  of  the  priests  at  Westminster.  In  Jan., 
1879,  the  mission  was  divided,— Father  Gloyd  retaining 
charge  of  St.  John's,  Westminster,  and  St.  Bartholomew's, 
Manchester,  while  Rev.  John  T.  Delaney  took  charge  of  St. 
Joseph's,  Taneytown,  and  St.  Thomas',  New  Windsor.  He  is 
a  kind  and  zealous  Father,  deeply  interested  in  his  church 
work. 

The  present  church  at  Taneytown  was  built  in  1876, 
when  the  old  church  built  by  Mr.  Brookes  was  torn  down. 
The  church  is  a  neat  brick  building,  40x70,  and  was  erected 
by  Father  Gloyd,  who  raised  the  amount  necessary  for  its 
completion  before  the  work  was  begun. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  Ill 

The  remains  of  Father  Zocchi  rest  in  the  cemetery  at 
Taneytown.  A  plain  marble  monument  about  five  feet  high, 
marks  the  spot  and  has  the  following  inscription  :  Sacred  to 
the  memory  of  Rev.  Nicholas  Zocchi,  late  pastor  of  Taney- 
town Catholic  Church,  who  departed  this  life  Dec.  17th,  1845, 
in  the  72d  year  of  his  age.  Christian,  say  "  May  God  have 
mercy  on  his  Soul." 

Rev.  Henry  B.  Coskery,  Y.  G.,  I).  U.,  who  died  in  Bal- 
timore in  1872,  was  born  here  in  the  house  adjoining  the  par- 
ochial residence,  July  19th,  1808.  He  was  ordained  at  Bal- 
timore in  ]  834,  and  in  the  same  year  assigned  to  missionary 
duties  in  Belair.  Md.  In  1837,  he  was  transferred  to  Elli- 
cot's  Mills,  and  there  built  St.  Paul's  Church,  and  discharged 
the  various  and  laborious  duties  of  the  missionary  priest  in 
the  most  edifying  and  efficacious  manner.  In  1839,  he  was 
called  to  the  Cathedral  by  Archbishop  Eccleston,  and  in  that 
important  field  labored  late  and  early  for  32  years.  He  died 
Feb.  27th,  1872,  and  was  buried  at  Bonnie  Brae  Cemetery. 

A  sister  of  his,  Matilda  Coskery,  became  a  Sister  of 
Charity,  and  died  a  few  years  ago  at  St,  Joseph's,  near  Eni- 
mitsburg.  She  was  a  Sister  fifty  years  and  more,  and  was 
born  here  March  25th,  1805.  Sister  Helen  Josephine  (Swope), 
now  at  St,  Joseph's,  was  born  here  April  11th,  1826.  Sister 
Elizabeth  (Case),  born  near  Taneytown,  Oct.  13th,  1832,  and 
died  at  New  Orleans.  Josephine  Baumgartner,  born  near 
Taneytown  about  1830,  became  a  Sister  of  Mercy  in  1849. 
Matilda  Sullivan,  born  near  Taneytown,  also  became  a  Sister 
of  Mercy. 

Pastors  of  St.  Joseph's,  Taneytown  :  Demetrius  A.  De 
Gallitzin,  born  on  the  Hague,  in  Russia,  Dec.  22d,  1770  ;  or- 
dained at  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  Balto.,  March  18th,  1795; 
died  May  6th,  1840.  Rev.  Nicholas  Zocchi,  born  at  Rome, 
Italy,  1773,  ordained  about  1797,  at  Milan,  died  Dec.  17th, 
1845,  at  Taneytown.  Rev.  Thos.  O'Neill,  born  in  Ireland 
about  1802,  ordained  in  Balto.  1830  ;  died  at  Mt.  St.  Mary's, 


112  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Nov.  21st,  1874.  Rev.  John  Gloyd,  bora  in  Montgomery 
Co.,  Md.,  Oct.  22d,  1831  ;  ordained  at  St.  Mary's,  May,  1858 ; 
now  pastor  at  Westminster.  Rev.  John  T.  Delaney,  born  in 
Balto.,  Feb.  1843  ;  ordained  at  St.  Mary's  Seminary  Dec.  21st, 
1872  ;  now  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's,  Taneytown. 


THE  WESTMINSTER  CHURCH. 


The  church  property  at  this  place,  consisting  of  four 
acres,  was  donated  by  John  Logston.  Upon  this  a  frame 
church  was  built  about  the  year  1789.  There  is  nothing  to 
show  who  had  charge  of  the  church  at  that  early  period  ', 
probably  the  Fathers  from  Frederick  and  Conewago.  The 
second,  called  Christ's  Church,  a  brick  building,  was  erected 
by  Rev.  Nicholas  Zocchi,  in  1805.  This  venerable  priest  was 
ordained  when  he  was  twenty-two  years  and  six  months  old. 
He  visited  Westminster  once  a  month  on  Sundays  until  his 
death  in  1845.  The  entire  mission  was  then  without  a  resi- 
dent pastor  until  1851.  During  this  interval,  irregular  visits 
were  made  by  different  clergymen—  Revs.  John  F.  Hickey, 
Henry  Myers,  Joseph  Dietz.  Francis  Krutel,  and  others.  In 
1851,  Rev.  Thomas  O'Neill  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  mis- 
sion, with  residence  at  Taneytown.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  John  Glo}7d  in  Nov.,  18G2,  who  also  resided  at  Taney- 
town until  Westminster  was  made  headquarters  in  1869. 
The  third,  St.  John's  Church,  brick,  was  commenced  in  18G5, 
and  dedicated  Nov.  22d,  1866.  Mr.  John  Orendorf  gave  all 
the  bricks  for  the  building.  The  assistants  until  the  mission 
was  divided  in  1879,  were  Revs.  Richard  Hazeland  from  3  871 
to  1873,  Casper  Schmidt  from  1873  to  1874  ;  John  T.  De- 
laney from  1874  to  1879.  The  parochial  school  house  was 
built  in  1872.  Rev.  John  Gloyd  is  the  present  beloved  and 
zealous  pastor. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  113 

THE  FREDERICK  CHURCH. 


Many  Catholic  families,  among  them  the  Carrolls,  were 
connected  with  the  earliest  settlement  around  Frederick 
Town,  now  in  Frederick  Co.,  Md.  When  first  founded  it  was 
in  Baltimore  Co.,  and  was  an  important  point  on  the  princi- 
pal stage  routes  which  then  traversed  the  country.  Frederick 
is  an  old  Catholic  mission,  and  being  the  location  of  the 
Jesuit  Novitiate,  has  a  very  interesting  history  and  should 
have  valuable  records.  All  that  we  are  able  to  give  is  taken 
from  Scharfs  History  of  Western  Maryland. 

Many  Catholics  had  settled  on  Carroll's  Manor,  on  the 
Monocacy,  at  the  close  of  the  last  century.  They  were  at- 
tended by  Rev.  John  Dubois,  from  Mt.  St.  Mary's.  The 
ground  on  which  the  original  chapel  was  built,  was  deeded  to 
Father  John  Hunter,  by  John  Carey,  Oct.  2d,  1765.  Fred- 
erick was  attended  by  priests  from  St.  Thomas'  Mission,  near 
Port  Tobacco,  for  a  long  time  the  residence  of  the  Superior 
of  the  Jesuits  in  Maryland.  From  this  was  supplied  all  the 
adjacent  country,  from  the  headwaters  of  the  Potomac  to  the 
Eastern  Shores.  The  German  Fathers  from  Conewago  also 
attended  the  mission  at  Frederick.  The  first  residence  and 
chapel  were  built  in  1763,  by  John  Williams,  an  English 
Jesuit,  who  came  to  the  Maryland  Missions  June  9th,  1758, 
with  Fathers  James  Frambach  and  James  Pellentz.  He  re- 
turned to  Europe  about  1774.  There  is  reason  to  believe 
that  Father  George  Hunter  succeeded  Father  Williams.  He 
was  Superior  of  the  Jesuits  in  Maryland  in  1765,  and  Super- 
ior and  Vicar  General  in  1794.  Father  James  Frambach 
was  pastor  of  Frederick  in  1773,  according  to  Campbell.  He 
had  the  whole  of  Western  Maryland  and  part  of  Virginia, 
and  traveled  far.  visiting  the  sick  and  administering  the  Sac- 
raments. Many  a  time  he  slept  near  his  horse,  on  the  banks 
of  the  Potomac  and  its  tributaries,  and  early  in  the  morning 


114  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

was  up  and  off  again.  He  was  succeeded  by  Father  James 
Walton,  an  Englishman,  who  came  to  Md.  in  177G,  died  at 
St.  Inigoes  1803,  aged  65.  The  chapel  was  then  attended  by 
Father  Dubois.  The  residence  forms  part  of  the  Novitiate. 
The  small  chapel  of  Father  Williams  was  for  nearly  forty 
years  the  only  place  of  worship  for  the  Catholics  of  Freder- 
ick. The  Jesuits  remained  during  the  Suppression.  Father 
Dubois  began  to  administer  at  St.  John's  about  1792.  He 
also  attended  the  Western  Missions,  Hagerstown,  Cumber- 
land, Martinsburg  and  as  far  South  as  Winchester.  Scharf 
says  he  "  was  for  a  long  time  the  only  priest  between  Balti- 
more and  St.  Louis."  We  do  not  wish  to  contradict  the  cele- 
brated historian,  but  Father  Lambing's  Researches  furnish 
much  information  on  early  Catholic  settlements.  The  Cone- 
wago  Fathers  themselves  attended  the  western  missions 
from  Frambach's  time,  1700,  to  Father  Gallitzin's,  1800.  The 
history  of  the  Carroll  families  in  Maryland  would  also  throw 
additional  light  on  early  Catholic  missionary  work. 

Father  Dubois  began  the  erection  of  a  church  at  Fred- 
erick in  1800.  It  was  of  brick,  82x45  feet.  The  building 
was  partly  torn  down  and  changed  in  1859,  and  has  since 
been  used  for  other  purposes.  After  he  removed  to  Emmetts- 
burg  in  1806,  he  visited  Frederick  once  or  twice  a  month. 
Francis  Maleve,  S.  J.,  took  charge  in  1811.  He  had  the 
church  repaired  in  1812,  as  the  congregation  was  then  increas- 
ing. He  was  born  Dec.  ],  1770,  a  native  of  Russia.  He  be- 
longed to  the  order  of  St,  Francis  Assisi,  but  when  the  Order 
was  dispersed  he  labored  as  a  Secular  priest.  Father  Maleve 
entered  the  Society  in  Russia  in  1804  :  came  to  this  country 
while  a  Novice,  and  took  his  last  vows  June  29th,  1815.  He 
commenced  the  building  of  St.  Joseph's  Church  on  the  Manor, 
about  seven  miles  from  Frederick,  which  was  completed  in 
1820.  The  lot  and  part  of  the  funds  were  gifts  from  Charles 
Carroll  of  Carrollton.     Father  Maleve  died  Oct.  3d,  1822. 

In  1821,  Mr.Coale  gave  land  on  which  to  build  a  church, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  115 

at  Liberty,  twelve  miles  from  Frederick.  The  old  church 
was  torn  down  several  years  ago  and  a  new  one  built  by 
Gen.  Coale,  a  son  of  the  donor  of  the  original  lot. 

Father  John  McElroy  took  charge  after  the  death  of 
Father  Maleve.  He  built  churches  and  schools,  and  is  well 
remembered  for  his  zealous  labors  in  the  cause  of  religion. 
He  died  in  1877  at  the  Novitiate.  He  was  the  oldest  priest 
in  America,  aged  95  years,  having  been  born  in  the  town  of 
Innis  Killin,  Ireland,  in  1782. 

In  1824,  five  Sisters  came  to  Frederick  from  Emmetts- 
burg,  and  were  lodged  in  a  log  cabin.  St.  John's  Academy 
was  opened  Jan.  ,3d,  1824.  In  1825,  a  larger  establishment 
was  built;  Rev.  P.  W.  Walsh  was  assistant  in  1825.  A 
church  was  built  at  Petersville  in  1826,  on  land  given  by  Mr. 
West,  a  Protestant.  Aug.  7th,  1828,  St.  John's  Literary  In- 
stitute was  begun  ;  opened  in  1829.  It  has  given  many 
great  men  to  religion  and  the  professions.  The  new  church 
was  contemplated  as  early  as  1830.  The  corner-stone  was 
laid  in  1833.  It  was  finished  after  many  difficulties  in  1837, 
consecrated  April  26th.,  The  steeple  was  completed  in  1854, 
by  Burchard  Villiger,  S.  J.  Father  Peter  Kenney  was  Su- 
perior at  that  time.  Father  Wm.  McSherry  succeeded  him. 
In  1833,  a  large  addition  was  made  to  the  residence.  A 
wing  and  the  chapel  were  added  by  Father  Samuel  Barber. 
Improvements  were  made  by  Father  Brocard,  and  in  1859 
by  Father  Parasce.  The  Sisters'  building  was  burned  down 
in  1845,  and  was  rebuilt.  In  1839,  Father  James  Ryder 
was  assistant  to  Father  McElroy,  and  teacher  of  French  and 
writing.  Thomas  Lilly,  S.  J.,  succeeded  Father  McElroy  in 
Sept.,  1845.  The  assistants  were  Revs.  George  Villiger, 
Stonestreet,  Meredith,  Jenkins,  Finotti,  and  Bogue.  In  1846, 
the  Sisters  of  Charity  withdrew,  and  the  Nuns  of  the  Visita- 
tion from  Georgetown  took  their  place.  In  1848,  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Stonestreet  succeeded  Father  Lilly.  The  assistants 
were  Revs.  Bogue,  Finotti  and  Ciampi.  When  Rev.  Stone- 
street had  charge,  Rev.  Francis  Dzierozyuski,  a  saintly  man. 


116  COiNEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

died  there.  He  was  a  native  of  Orsani,  in  Poland,  born  June 
3d,  1777.  Father  Thomas  Mulledy  succeeded  in  1850. 
After  him  came  Revs.  Villiger,  Barber,  Hippolyte  Deneck- 
ere,  Blenkinsop  and  McAtee  ;  the  two  latter,  with  M.  Tuffer, 
8.  J.,  being  there  in  1860.  From  1853  to  1860,  the  assis- 
tants were  Revs.  Bogue.  Duddy,  and  Tuffer.  Father  Sourin 
was  in  charge  from  1860  to  1870  ;  the  assistants  were  Revs. 
O'Kane,  Smith,  Jenkins,  Ciampi  and  Fulmer.  After  an  ab- 
sence of  twenty-five  years,  Father  Stonestreet  returned  as 
parish  priest. 


THE  HAGERSTOWN  CHURCH. 

This  sketch  of  Catholicity  in  Hagerstown  is  nothing 
more  than  the  interesting  and  valuable  data  collected  by 
Father  Jones  when  he  was  pastor,  and  left  by  him  as  a  church 
record.  The  Hagerstown  Church  was  long  attended  by  the 
early  missionaries  of  Conewago,  Taneytown  and  Frederick. 
A  very  full  and  interesting  history  of  the  church  might  be 
written  from  these  records,  but  as  it  serves  our  purpose  of 
preserving  names  and  dates,  we  give  them  as  they  appear  : 

The  deed  of  the  old  Catholic  graveyard,  from  Jonathan 
Hagar  to  Rev.  James  Frambach,  for  three  lots  (Nos.  319, 
320,  321,)  in  Hagar's  addition  to  Klizabethtown,  is  dated  Aug. 
16th,  1786,  recorded  in  liber  E,  folio  38.  The  deed  of  the 
present  church  property,  from  Adam  Miller,  of  Bedford  Co., 
Pa.,  to  Luke  Tieman,  of  Baltimore  Co.,  Md.,  Charles  Carroll, 
Denis  Cahill  (priest,)  James  McClellan,  John  Adams,  James 
McCardell,  Jos.  Clark  and  Wm.  Clark,  of  Washington  Co., 
and  to  the  survivors  and  their  heirs  in  trust,  is  dated  May 
25th,  1794  ;  recorded  in  liber  H,  folio  847  to  849  ;  property 
given  for  the  nominal  sum  of  five  shillings.  From  this  time 
until  about  1820,  the  church  was  at  first  served  by  Father 
Cahill  and  other  priests  who  did  missionary  work  in  the 
country  bordering  the  Potomac  and  Shenandoah  ;  after  them 


■  &        ULV.        ^      WUV-W.^V,      m.-l       ^,V...*U^VU,I.      , 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  117 

by  Father  Zocchi,  of  Taneytown,  and  the  Frederick  and 
Mountain  priests.  Father  Cahlll  left  Baltimore  for  Ireland 
in  the  spring  of  1806,  and  died  there  in  1817.  As  a  mis- 
sionary priest  his  labors  were  equal  to  those  of  the  Conewa- 
go  Fathers  and  Maryland  Jesuits,  and  we  regret  that  so  little 
information  of  his  life  can  be  obtained. 

Rev.  Timothy  Ryan  took  charge  of  the  Hagerstown 
church  in  1822.  The  old  log  church,  which  stood  where  the 
main  building  of  the  "  presbytery  "  now  stands,  was  removed 
and  a  new  church  built.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  July  4th, 
1825.  He  attended  the  congregation  while  the  Chesapeake 
and  Ohio  Canal  was  being  built,  and  labored  during  the 
cholera  of  1833  ;  died  June  2d,  1837.  Rev.  Geo.  M.  Guth 
succeeded  until  1844,  latter  part,  when  Father  Henry  Myers 
came.  He  took  charge  of  Hagerstown  and  the  missions  Aug. 
15th,  1845.  In  this  year  he  was  taken  seriously  ill,  and  re- 
ceived the  last  Sacraments  from  Rev.  Charles  Stonestreet,  S. 
J. 

The  deed  of  the  Williamsport  church  is  recorded  in  liber 
I  N,  No.  10,  fol.  110,  and  is  from  Robert  Lemon,  executor 
of  Peter  Light,  to  Rt.  Rev.  F.  P.  Kenrick  and  his  successors, 
for  $1,000  ;  dated  Dec.  8th,  1854,  delivered  to  Father  Myers 
Sept,  4th,  1856. 

Rev.  Joseph  Maguire  was  assistant  to  Father  Myers  in 
1851,  and  died  Sept.  18th,  1852,  buried  in  front  of  the  church 
where  a  monument  marks  his  grave.  Father  Myers  left 
about  Nov.,  1857  ;  Rev.  George  Flaut  left  in  July,  1858  ; 
Rev.  Edmund  Didier  left  Sept.,  1861  ;  Rev.  John  Gloyd 
attended  from  Hancock  until  Dec,  1861,  when  Rev.  Malachy 
Moran,  O.  S.  B.,  took  charge.  He  left  about  the  middle  of 
1864,  succeeded  by  Thos.  McDonough,  S.  J.,  from  Frederick  ; 
Rev.  Aloysius  Janalick,  S.  J.,  left  in  the  summer  of  1865, 
and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Ed.  Didier,  who  remained  until 
May  7th,  1868. 


118  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

1867,    Aug,    17,    deed   from  Charles  Tieman  and  G.  R. 
Tieman  his  wife,  to  Rev.  Ed.  Didier,  James  I.  Hurley,  Jacob 
A.  Wright,  Jerome   B.  McClery,  Jacob  H.  Wills  and  John 
Eck,   trustees  of  St.  Mary:s   Church  at  Hagerstown,  which 
includes  church  property  and  priest's  house.     The  survivor  of 
the  original  trustees  of  May  5,  1794,  was  Luke  Tieman,    and 
from  him  the  legal  title  descended  to  Charles  Tieman.     Deed 
from    Dennis   and   Margaret  Galvin,   of  St.   Louis,   to  same 
trustees,  for  the  school  house,    afterwards  sold  to  C.  V.  R.  R. 
for   depot,    is  dated    Aug,  21st,  1867.     The  deed  for  all  the 
church  property,  from  the  trustees  to  Most  Rev.  M.  J.  Spal- 
ding,  and    his  successors  the   Archbishops  of  Baltimore,  is 
recorded  in  liber  I  N,  No.  18,  fols.  693  to  696.     The  church 
property    became    invested  in  Rev.  Ed.  Didier  and  five  trus- 
tees,  according  to  article   26,  sec.   88  to   101,  of  the  Public 
General    Laws.     The    number    of    trustees    was    increased 
to  seven  and  the  pastor.     By    the  agreement  of  March  25th, 
1875,  Rev.  J.  M.  Jones,  J.  F.  Smith,  Jacob  A.  Wright,  P.  M. 
John,  H.  H.  Keedy,  James  I.  Hurley,  C.  B.  Boyle  and  W.  F. 
Orndorf  became  trustees. 

Rev.  John  M.  Jones  became  pastor  May  7th,  1868, — 
Father  Didier  leaving  the  next  clay  for  St.  Peter's,  Baltimore. 
Father  Myers  introduced  the  new  pastor  at  High  Mass.  There 
was  then  need  of  church  and  house  improvements,  furniture, 
and  repairs,  which  were  made  by  degrees.  The  mission  then 
consisted  of  Hagerstown,  Williamsport,  Boonsboro,  and  Smith- 
burg.  Clearspring  was  given  to  Rev.  M.  Daush,  of  Hancock. 
First  Fair  held  in  Lyceum  Hall  in  Nov.,  1868  ;  the  proceeds, 
$1900,  expended  in  repairing  church  and  furnishing  house. 
Gas  was  put  in  the  church  in  May,  1869.  June  6th,  1869, 
mission  commenced  by  Revs.  Wayrich,  Gross  and  O'Dono- 
hue,  C.  S.  S.  R.  Wayrich  was  an  eloquent  speaker.  There 
were  several  converts  and  320  Communicants.  The  congre- 
gation gave  the  missionaries  $180    at  their    departure.  Rev. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  119 

Michael  Daush  left  Hancock  in  the  spring  of  1861,  when 
Father  Jones  was  given  the  whole  mission,  including  Little 
Orleans,  afterward  attached  to  Cumberland,  with  Rev.  Chas. 
Darner  as  assistant.  The  Booonsboro  church  was  built  by 
Dr.  Josiah  Smith,  with  money,  left  by  Dr.  Otho  Smith. 

Aug.  22,  18G9,  Forty  Hours,  Fathers  T.  Lee  and  John 
Kain,  of  Harper's  Ferry,  assisted.  Festival  held  in  Williams- 
port  ;  $175  cleared  ;  expended  for  organ  ;  congregation  there 
small  and  poor.  Dec.  22d,  Jubilee  began  in  Hagerstown, 
Revs.  Richard  Barry,  of  Harrisburg,  and  F.  Fields,  of  Cham- 
bersburg,  assisted  ;  280  Communicants  ;  Jubilee  followed  at 
Hancock  and  Clearspring — 180  Com.  at  former,  49  at  latter 
place.  June  10th,  1870,  Corpus  Christi  ;  began  addition  to 
church  in  Hagerstown,  Mr.  Frederick,  Baltimore,  brother  of 
Father  Frederick,  architect  ;  Oliver,  contractor.  Old  school 
house  and  lot  sold  to  C.  V.  R.  R,  for  $3000  ;  rest  of  money 
raised  by  subscription.  Mission  divided  in  Nov.,  Father 
Ryan  took  Hancock,  Father  Jones  the  rest.  Jan.,  1871, 
church  in  Hagerstown  dedicated  by  Father  Myers,  who  said 
High  Mass  ;  Rev.  D.  Lyman  preached  ;  Forty  Hours  followed 
held  by  Revs.  S.  F.  Ryan  and  John  Kain.  While  church 
was  being  repaired.  Mass  said  in  Miss  Eliza  Monahan's  house, 
Franklin  Street.  Faster  morning  this  year,  105  Communi- 
cants. Sept.  28,  1871,  Rev.  J.  M.  Jones  returned  to  St. 
Peter's,  Balto.  Rev.  D.  DeWulf  succeeded  ;  Rev.  S.  F.  Ryan 
changed  from  Hancock  to  Cumberland  about  this  time.  — 
Rev.  C.  Darner  appointed  to  Hancock.  1873,  Sept..  Arch. 
Bayley  administered  Confirmation.  1874,  Jan.  25  to  29 — 
Rev.  J.  J.  Kain,  of  Flarper's  Ferry,  gave  mission  at  Wil- 
liamsport  ;  when  Rev.  John  Boetzkes,  of  Chambersburg, 
assisted  ;  72  Com.  1873,  July  21st,  Father  Myers  died  at  St. 
Vincent's.  Baltimore,  buried  on  the  24th.  1873.  Oct.  14 — 
Rev.  Jones  returned  to  Hagerstown  as  pastor  ;  Rev.  DeWulf 
left  next  day  for  St.  Matthew's,  Wash.  1874,  Jan.  12  to  13, 
Dr.  Chapelle,  of  St.  Joseph,  Baltimore,  gave  two   lectures  for 


120  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Altar  Society.  Aug.  28,  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  came  to  open 
school  ;  small  house  rented  for  them  from  Mr.  Keerl. 
Mother  Liguori  taught  small  boys  ;  Sister  Angela,  head  of 
the  school ;  Sister  Basil,  small  children.  Sister  Winfred,  lay 
Sister — "all  strangers  to  each  other  and  to  us."  Congrega- 
tion furnished  house,  paid  $200  rent,  $200  to  Sisters  and 
$200  to  Chestnut  Hill  for  Novitiate  ;  Priest  has  all  responsi- 
bility of  collecting  money  and  attending  to  material  prosper- 
ity of  the  school.  This  was  the  arrangement  made  by  Moth- 
er St.  John  and  approved  by  Arch.  Bayley. 

1874.  Fair  Oct.  13;  $1089.05  realized;  went  to  pay 
$1300  debt  remaining  from  church  repairs.  Jan.  19,  F.  X. 
Boyle,  of  Washington,  lectured  for  benefit  of  school.  Sisters 
moved  into  new  house,  purchased  from  Mr.  Ogilly  at  a  cost 
of  $6,750.  Additions  made  in  summer  of  1875,  Property 
held  in  name  of  Trustees.  Sept.  17,  Arch.  Bayley  confirm- 
ed at  Hagerstown,  and  at  Williamsport,  Miss  Eliza  Mona- 
han  died  in  November  ;  left  $1000  for  marble  altar  ;  money 
was  needed  at  the  time  and  put  in  school  building.  [Father 
Manley,  present  pastor,  intends  to  have  marble  altar  erected 
in  accordance  with  bequest.] 

1875.  Upstairs  of  priest's  house  improved.  Sept.  19 
to  26th,  Revs.  Wayrich  and  Oberhart,  C.  S.  S.  R.,  gave  mis- 
sion. Fair  in  Williamsport  Dec.  23d  ;  proceeds  $700  ;  con- 
gregation began  to  tear  down  church,  walls  were  giving 
away  ;  Arch.  Bayley  added  $100  ;  men  gave  their  labor  free  ; 
church  so  far  completed  fourth  Sunday  in  July,  1870,  as  to 
have  Mass  for  the  first  time  ;  during  building  services  were 
held  in  public  hall.  Mr.  Eli  Stake  generously  undertook 
building,  without  charge  for  his  work  ;  congregation  worked 
well,  and  gave  according  to  means  ;  dedication  deferred  to 
spring  of  '77  for  want  of  funds. 

1876.  Strawberry  festival  held  in  Hagerstown,  June 
10  to  13th  ;  $145.14  made.  July  4th,  bell  rung  for  Centen- 
nial, and  High  Mass.  July  19,  picnic  for  Williamsport 
church, — $147.96.       Aug.—  addition    of  second    and    third 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  121 

stories  to  school  building  at  Hagerstown  ;  cost  $300  ;  Heil 
contractor.  Nov. — Fair  in  new  church,  Williamsport,  $562 
realized  ;  good  fair,  well  conducted  ;  Mrs.  Barry  obtained  her- 
self all  articles  on  her  table.  Christmas, — James  I.  Hurley 
presented  Hagerstown  church  with  handsome  pair  twelve- 
light  candelabra. 

1877.  Easter,  106  Communicants.  April  2d,  concert 
by  Dr.  Dielman  ;  cleared  $42.25.  April  29,  Williamsport 
Church  dedicated  by  Rev.  J.  J.  Kain,  of  Wheeling,  W.  Va.  ; 
Mass  by  Rev.  Desire  De  Wulf ;  Rev.  S.  F.  Ryan.  Deacon  ; 
Thomas  Fleming,  Sub-Deacon  ;  present,  Revs.  J.  O'Sullivan, 
[now  Bishop  of  Mobile,]  and  C.  Darner.  Mercadantes  Mass 
iri'B  flat ;  Bishop  Kain  preached,  Heb.  xii..  22-24.  In  even- 
ing. Rev.  J.  O'Sullivan,  of  Westernport,  preached  in  Hagers- 
town. May  6, — Forty  Hours  same  place,  Father  Watterson, 
Mt.  St.  Mary's,  preached  ;  Rev.  C.  P.  O'Connor,  from  Over- 
brook,  and  Revs,  (iloyd  and  Kaelin  assisted.  Nov.  25, — St. 
Catharine's  Day  ;  great  flood  of  Potomac  ;  water  higher  at 
Williamsport  than  since  1852  ;  houses  and  barns  and  C.  V. 
R.  R.  bridge  swept  away.  Oct.  3d, — bell  tolled  from  9  to 
10  p.  m.,  for  death  of  Arch.  Bayley  ;  news  of  his  death  not 
received  until  evening.  Last  of  Sept.,— collected  $100  on 
Williamsport  Church  debt,  balance  $300.  Oct.  13th,— High 
Mass  of  Requiem  at  Hagerstown  for  Arch.  Bayley.  Nov. 
27, — fair  for  Sisters'  school  ;  almost  all  articles  came  from 
Rev.  C.  P.  O'Connor  and  from  Visitation  Convent,  George- 
town, and  from  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  Dec.  25, — Rev.  Jones, 
pastor,  sick  ;  Rev.  Fowler  sang  Mass. 

1878.  Rev.  J.  P.  Casey  came  as  assistant  at  Hagers- 
town. March  2d  ;  left  April  22d.  Rev.  John  M.  Jones  went 
to  Europe,  May  4th  ;  returned  Sept.  20  ;  Charles  Stonestreet, 
S.  J.,  supplied.  New  Missal  purchased  in  Oct.,  for  $22. 
New  cope  and  white  vestment  arrived  from  Toulouse,  France. 
Thanksgiving  Dinner  in  Williamsport  cleared  $67.  Dec. — 
Rev.  DeWitt,  S.  J.,  of  Frederick,  assisted  at  Christmas ;  new 
vestments  used  for  first  time.     Dec.  23d,   new  furnace  put  in 


122  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Williamsport  Church  at  a  cost  of  $110. 

1879.  March  11th,  Forty  Hours  at  Williamsport,  Revs. 
Fleming  and  Darner  assisted.  May  4th,  Arch.  Gibbons  con- 
firmed 61  at  Hagerstown,  23  converts  ;  preached  in  evening 
on  the  Infallibility  ;  large  attendance.  Sixteen  persons  en- 
tertained at  dinner  by  pastor.  Very  Rev.  O'Connor  sang 
Mass.  May  5th,  19  confirmed  at  Williamsport,  5  converts. 
Mr.  Victor  Cushwa  gave  dinner  to  Archbishop  and  clergy. 
May  11th,  Forty  Hours  at  Hagerstown  ;  sermons  by  Revs. 

C.  Darner,  J.  O'Sullivan,  and  T.  Lee  ;  Rev.  J.  Kaelin  finished 
Devotions  ;  Jubilee  followed  ;  Sermon  in  German,  about  the 
last  here,  by  Rev.  Smith,  of  Frostburg  ;  300  Com.  During 
month  of  Oct.,  Rev.  Jones  resigned  on  account  of  ill  health  ; 
acceptance  from  Feb.  1st,  1880  ;  Rev.  J.  A.  Frederick  suc- 
ceeded. 1879,  Dec.  25th,  C.  Stonestreet,  S.  J.,  assisted  ;  Dec. 
28th,  fine  sermon  by  the  same,  on  the  Immortality  of  the 
Soul.  1883,  Jan.  25th,  Rev.  H.  Voltz  succeeded  Father 
Frederick  ;  introduced  Jan.  28th.  May  20th,  Forty  Hours, 
present  Revs.  Gloyd,  Delane}7,  Meade  and  McKeefry  ;  230 
Com.  June  28th,  Commencement  of  St.  Joseph's  Academy. 
July  15,  began  new  story  on  school  building.  Sept.  4th,  fair 
for  school  ;  proceeds  $1500.  Sept.  4th,  Dr.  Josias  Smith, 
trustee,  died  ;  buried  on  the  7th,  large  funeral.  1884,  Feb. 
10th.  Mission  by  Lazarist  Fathers,  Leievre  and  Krabler  ;  400 
Coin.  April  10  and  11,  office  of  Tenebrae  for  first  time  in 
many  years.  April  13th,  Easter,  meeting  of  church  mem- 
bers ;  decided  to  put  new  roof  on  church  and  another  story 
on  house  ;  improvements  begun  in  May,  completed  in  June. 
July  27th,  Arch.  Gibbons  preached  and  confirmed.  1885. 
Rev.  Henry  Voltz  left  Jan.   1 6th  ;  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 

D.  Manley  ;  who  was  met  and  welcomed  by  members  of  the 
congregation  and  Father  Meade,  of  Williamsport.  Father 
Manley  is  an  earnest  and  prudent  worker,  and  a  kind  priest. 
During  the  summer  of  1885,  he  said  Mass  at  Pen-Mar,  a 
summer  resort  on  the  Blue  Ridge.  The  Hagerstown  Mission 
is  now  divided  ;   Rev.  Manley  attending  points  nearest  Ha- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  123 

gerstown  ;  Rev.  Meade  those  near  Williamsport,  and  Rey. 
Peter  Weider  at  Hancock. 

"  Father  Myers  was  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed 
pastors  of  the  church."  He  was  born  at  the  "  Seminary 
Farm,"  Conewago,  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  in  1806  ;  studied  at  St. 
Mary's,  Baltimore  ;  educated  by  the  Sulpitians,  and  ordained 
in  1830.  He  was  stationed  at  St.  Patrick's  Church,  Wash- 
ington, then  at  Cumberland  where  he  built  a  church.  After 
laboring  twelve  years  at  Ha  gerstown,  he  went  to  Pikesville, 
Balto.  Co.,  Mel.  In  1860,  he  succeeded  Rev.  Leonard  Ober- 
myer  as  pastor  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul's  in  Baltimore,  and 
died  there  in  July,  1873.  The  Hagerstown  missions  are  also 
greatly  indebted  to  the  labors  of  Father  Jones,  whose  memo- 
ry is  cherished  with  love  and  veneration. 

Among  the  church  improvements  in  1870,  was  the  erec- 
tion of  the  present  beautiful  steeple,  crowned  with  a  large 
cross. 


YORK  AND  OTHER  CHURCHES. 


York,  a  growing  city  on  the  banks  of  the  Codorus,  in 
York  Co.,  Pa.,  is  a  place  full  of  historic  interest.  The  Con- 
tinental Congress,  driven  from  Philadelphia  b}^  the  British 
invasion,  retired  to  -'York  Town,"  Sept.  30th,  1777,  and 
held  its  sessions  there  until  June  27th,  1778.  Here  was 
printed  the  first  Continental  Money  ;  Philip  Livingston,  one 
of  the  New  York  delegates,  died  here  June  11th,  1778,  and 
was  buried  in  the  German  Reformed  graveyard  ;  John  Han- 
cock resigned  his  presidency  of  Congress  at  York,  and  Henry 


124  CONEWAGO-A  COLLECTION  OF 

Laurence   elected   in  his  place  ;  early  in   Nov  J   1777,  -Col. 
Wilkinson  brought  despatches  to  Congress  at  York,  announc- 
ing Burgoyne's  surrender;  Lafayette  was  /appointed  to  the 
command  of  a  division  in  the  Continental  Army,  and  Baron 
Steuben's  offer  of  service  was  accepted  here.     While  in  ses- 
sion at  York,   an  unsuccessful  attempt  was  made  by  Gen. 
Conway   and  others  to   displace   Gen.   Washington  and  put 
Gen.  Gates  in  his  place  ;  Lafayette  discovered  and  exposed 
the  plot.     "  Pulaski's  Legion  "  .made  York  its  place  of  ren- 
dezvous while  preparing  to  march  South  ;  leaving  York  in 
March,  1779  ;  Count  Pulaski  fell  in  an  unsuccessful  assault 
on  the  British  at  Savannah,  Oct.  3d  of  that  year.     A  battal- 
ion of  French   troops   known   as    "  Armand's   Legion,"   was 
quartered  at  York  from  Jan.  to  Nov..   1783.      We  have  a 
copy  of  a  letter   of   thanks  from  the  citizens   of  York,    to 
"  Brigadier  Gen.  Armand,  Marquis  De  La  Rouerie,"  for  the 
kind  services,  aid  and  protection  of  his  troops  to  the  country 
and  to  the  town,   dated  Nov.  18th,   1783  ;  and  his  reply  to  it 
dated  the  19th,  when  he  says  his  troops  and  himself  are  pre- 
paring to  return  to  their  country,   and  oiler  their  services  to 
America  whenever   in  need  of  assistance,  signed  "Armand, 
Marquis  De  La  Rouerie."     Mr.  Griffin,  in  his  recent  sketches 
of  Catholicity  in  Philadelphia,  makes  mention  of  Count  Ar- 
mand,   and  if  we  mistake    not,    says   he   died    at    that  place. 
Another  distinguished  personage   at  York  at  that  time  and 
afterward,  was  Baron  de  Beelen  Bertholf,  Belgian  minister  to 
this  country,  also  a  Catholic,  of  whom  we  will  be  able  to  give 
further  particulars.     There  is  no  record  that  there  were  any 
Chaplains  with  the  troops  quartered  at  York.     The  Catholics 
at  that  time  were  attended  by  the  Conewago  missionaries,  at 
first  every  sixth  week,  and  later  every  fourth  Sunday. 

April  17th,  1750,  John  Moore  entered  his  name  for  a 
lot  marked  No.  295,  in  the  general  plan  of  the  town  of  York, 
founded  and  situated  on  the  cast  side  of  Beaver  Street,  con- 
taining in  breadth  north  and  south,  57  feet  and  6  inches,  and 
in  length  to  a  20-foot  alley,  230  feet.     June  20th  of  the  same 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  125 

year,  Moore  sold  to  Casper  Stillinger,  who  built  a  dwelling 
house  on  the  lot.  The  property  passed  from  the  possession 
of  the  Stillinger  heirs  to  Joseph  Smith,  May  4th,  1770,  who 
purchased  it  for  the  use  of  the  Catholic  congregation,  pre- 
senting it  to  that  body  and  for  that  purpose.  The  house 
was  converted  into  a  place  of  religious  worship  and  used  as 
such  until  1810,  when  the  old  stone  dwelling  was  torn  clown 
and  a  brick  church  was  built  on  the  same  site.  A  deed  was 
given  to  perfect  the  title,  by  Hons.' John  and  Richard  Penn, 
by  their  attorney  John  R.  Coates,  "to  the  Reverend  Thomas 
Neale,  (should  have  been  Francis,  Provincial  of  the  Jesuits  at 
that  time,)  in  trust  for  the  Roman  Catholic  Congregation  of 
York  Town/'  dated  June  2d.  1808,  for  the  nominal  sum  of 
five  shillings,  conveying  Lot  No.  295,  on  Beaver  St.,  York,  to 
Rev.  Thomas  (Francis)  Neale,  intrust.  &c,  "it  being  the 
same  lot  whereon  a  chapel  is  erected. "  The  first  resident 
priest  at  York  was  Rev.  Lorence  Huber,  who  came  there  in 
Dec,  1819,  and  remained  six  months.  Rev.  George  D. 
Hogan  came  in  the  summer  of  1820  ;  Rev.  P.  J.  Dween  in 
the  summer  of  1822.  and  was  there  yet  in  1834.  The  name 
of  the  church  was  St.  Patrick's.  We  have  been  unable  to 
obtain  the  names  of  succeeding  priests.  In  1850,  Rev.  Father 
Hatting,  from  Conewago,  built  a  Catholic  Church  at  York. 
He  was  probably  the  last  of  the  Jesuits  attending  that  place. 
When  Fathers  Enders  and  Deneckere  were  first  sent  on  the 
Conewago  missions,  they  attended  York  ;  so  did  Father 
Cotting  and  others.  In.  18G0,  Rev.  Silvester  Eagle  was 
pastor  of  St.  Patrick's,  and  Revs.  Mat.  J.  Meurer  and  John 
Vollmeyer  in  charge  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  church. 
In  1877,  Father  Kennedy  was  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's,  and 
John  Geo.  Pape  of  St.  Mary's.  There  were  different  pastors 
at  various  times,  whose  names  we  have  not.  The  Catholic 
Church  at  York  is  very  flourishing.  Resides  churches  and 
pastoral  residences,  there  are  large  and  well  attended  schools, 
taught  by  the  Sisters  ;  and  three  strong  Beneficial  Societies. 
There    are  several  missions  outside  of  York.     Father   Huber 


126  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

is   pastor   at   Shrewsbury.     Rev.  Pape    is   still  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's.     He  has  just  completed  a  very  handsome   church   at 
a   cost   of  $47,000.     The  corner-stone  was  laid    May    25thr 
1884.     The    church    was   dedicated  May  25th,    1885.     The 
dedicatory  services  were  conducted  by    Rev.  J.  F.  Shanahan, 
Bishop  of  Harrisburg.     A  Grand  High   Mass   followed,    Rev. 
Koppernagle,  of    Harrisburg,    Celebrant,    assisted    by  Rev. 
Louis   Grotenmeyer,    of  Lancaster ;  Rev.  Michael  Reily,    of 
Columbia  ;  Rev.  J.  A.  Huber,  of  New    Freedom,    Master  of 
Ceremonies.     Rev.  Joseph  Wissel,  of  Annapolis,    who  was  a 
former  pastor  of  both  York  churches,    preached  a  sermon  in 
German.     There    were    present    the    following    clergymen  : 
Revs.  J.  G.  Pape,  Pastor;  James  Gormley,  of  Bonneauville  ; 
J.  A.  Boll,  of  Gettysburg  ;  Wm.  Pieper,  of  Columbia  ;  John 
Koeper,  of  Williamsport ;  Clement  Schleuter,    of  Chambers- 
burg.     The  church  is  of  brick,  built  in  the  Gothic  style  ;  129 
by  57s  feet,  with  two  side  towers   70  feet  each  and  a  centre 
steeple  of  185  feet.     The  interior  has  stained  memorial  win- 
dows,  three   altars,    is   tastefully   ornamented  and  furnished 
with  steam  heat  and  a  $3,000  organ.     The  new  church  walls 
were  built  up  around  the  old  church,   in  which  services  were 
held  at  the  time.     Father   Pape   is   a  hard-working  priest  — 
He  visited  Europe  several  years  ago.     Rev.  John  Shanahan 
was  the  late  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's,  resigning  in  Aug.,  1885. 
and  going  to  Rome  to  further  prosecute  his  studies  in  philos- 
ophy and  theology.     Rev.  O'Reilley,  of  Shamokin,  succeeded 
in  September. 


A  sketch  of  St.  Mary's,  prepared  by  a  committee  of  St. 
Patrick's  Society,— Messrs.  J.  C.  Maguire,  Henry  Boll.  J.  H. 
Garrety,  John  Mayer,  Wm.  Chambers  and  M.  M.  Little,— 
furnishes  us  with  the  following  facts  in  the  history  of  that 
church.  The  Germans  were  long  deprived  of  the  blessings 
of  religion  in  their  native  tongue,  and  were  often  obliged  to 
go  to  Conewago  and   Baltimore  to  make  their  confessions. — 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  127 

Rev.  Shorb,  an  American  of  German  parentage,  was  pastor 
of  St.  Patrick's  for  a  short  while,  with  great  satisfaction  to 
the  Germans.  Bishop  Kenrick  sent  a  German  from  Cone- 
wago,  Rev.  Jacob  Cotting,  in  1851-2.  Bishop  Neuman  sep- 
arated the  two  congregations.  The  Germans  then  purchased 
an  acre  of  ground  on  the  Baltimore  pike  for  a  cemetery, 
which  was  blessed  June  27th,  1852.  At  the  same  time,  a 
lot,  140  feet  front  and  220  deep,  was  purchased  on  South 
George  Street,  for  a  church,  the  corner-stone  of  which  was 
laid  July  25th,  of  that  year.  By  the  united  efforts  of  pastor 
and  congregation,  a  brick  church,  42x80  feet,  was  erected  by 
Oct.  25th,  when  the  august  sacrifice  of  the  Mass  was  celebra- 
ted in  it  for  the  first  time.  An  organ  and  a  bell  were  pro- 
cured in  1853.  A  school-house  was  built  soon  after  adjoin- 
ing the  church.  Rev.  Cotting  came  twice  a  month.  Rev.  J. 
Wachter,  a  newly  ordained  priest,  a  Tyrolean  by  birth,  be- 
came the  first  resident  pastor  July  4th,  1853.  He  was  a 
faithful  and  zealous  pastor,  and  was  assisted  by  Rev.  F.  Ru- 
dolph, who  attended  the  country  missions.  In  1843,  through 
the  efforts  of  a  Catholic  gentleman  named  Muller,  from  Bad- 
en, Germany,  a  church  was  built  at  New  Freedom,  nineteen 
miles  south  of  York.  Bishop  Kenrick  gave  the  building  of 
it  to  the  Redemptorists.  Revs.  Kronenberger  and  Neuman, 
(afterwards  Bishop  of  Philadelphia,)  had  charge  of  St.  John's 
Church,  New  Freedom,  for  several  years.  It  was  then  at- 
tended from  St.  Mary's,  York.  In  1850,  the  few  Catholics 
around  Dallastown  built  a  substantial  stone  church,  which 
was  served  from  the  same  place.  After  the  removal  of  Rev. 
Kuntzer  from  York,  Rev.  Wachter  was  assisted  Rev.  F.  X. 
Tryer,  who  succeeded  him  at  his  death  in  1859.  Rev.  Tryer 
was  a  native  of  Switzerland  ;  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  M. 
Meurer,  a  native  of  Wurtemburg,  who  remained  until  Oct., 
1861.  Rev.  Joseph  Hamm,  from  Baden,  succeeded  him,  and 
in  1863  built  a  two-story  brick  parsonage  adjoining  the 
church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000.  Rev.  B.  Baummaster,  a 
native  of  Muenster,  had  charge  from  1866  to  1868.     In  Nov. 


128  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION"  OF 

of  that  year,  Rev.  J.  G.  Pape,  also  a  native  of  Westphalia, 
was  transferred  from  Ashland  to  York.  In  1869,  he  built  a 
new  brick  school-house  on  the  lot  in  the  rear  of  the  church, 
and  this  year  completed  a  magnificent  new  church  edifice. — 
He  is  a  very  active  and  energetic  man,  both  in  spiritual  and 
temporal  matters.  The  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  Philadel- 
phia, have  been  in  charge  of  the  school,  which  has  a  large 
attendance.     They  have  been  faithful  teachers. 

The  Diocese  of  Philadelphia  was  divided  in  1868,  when 
that  city  became  an  Archiepiscopal  See.  At  the  formation 
of  the  Diocese  of  Harrisburg,  Rev.  J.  F.  Shaiiahan  was  con- 
secrated its  Bishop,  over  which  he  now  presides.  The  dio- 
cese was  extensive  enough,  but  poor  in  churches  and  religious 
work.  New  congregations  were  organized,  churches  built, 
schools  established  and  priests  ordained,  and  now  everywhere 
are  evidences  of  his  zeal  and  labor.  For  a  number  of  yenrs 
the  good  Bishop  has  been  trying  to  establish  a  Diocesan 
Seminary,  and  we  trust  his  object  will  be  accomplished  be- 
fore lie  is  called  to  his  reward.  We  know  very  little  of  the 
early  Catholic  history  of  Harrisburg.  It  came  within  the 
limits  of  the  missions  already  outlined,  and  whatever  Catho- 
lics were  scattered  through  this  section  of  the  Cumberland 
Valley,  were  ministered  to  by  the  early  Jesuit  missionaries. 
St.  Patrick's  Church  was  built  in  1826,  by  Rev.  Michael 
Curran.  Rupp,  in  his  history  of  Dauphin  County,  about 
1840,  says  it  is  a  beautiful  edifice,  with  a  handsome  tower 
and  a  large  bell,  situated  on  State  Street,  between  Second 
and  Third.  Its  size  is  about  50x75  feet,  and  cost  $7,000. — 
It  was  consecrated  Oct,  2d,  1827,  by  Rt,  Rev.  Henry  Con- 
well,  Bishop  of  Philadelphia,  St.  Patrick's  became  the  pro- 
Cathedral  in  1808,  and  was  enlarged  and  improved  in  1874, 
dedicated  July  12th,  live  Bishops  being  present  and  a  num- 
ber of  priests.  Rev.  John  Foley  succeeded  Rev.  Curran. — 
A  German  priest  from  York  attended  the  Germans  for  a 
time.  They  have  a  church  now.  Father  Koppernagle  labored 
very  hard  in  its  interest.    There  is  also  a  church  at  Steelton. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  129 

Rev.  Pierce  Mather  was  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  for  many 
years.  He  was  a  priest  of  more  than  ordinary  zeal  and  abil- 
ity ;  a  learned  and  generous  man,  well-known  in  religious 
circles,  and  at  his  death  the  church  paid  him  distinguished 
funeral  honors  by  the  presence  of  many  priests  and  several 
Bishops.  He  was  born  April  6th,  1812,  near  Clonmel,  Ire- 
land ;  studied  for  the  priesthood  under  Bishop  Kenrick  ;  or- 
dained May  25th.  1837.  He  labored  at  Harrisburg  from  that 
time  until  the  arrival  of  Bishop  Shanahan  in  18G8,  when  he 
was  sent  to  Norristown,  where  he  died  Dec.  28th.  1873. — 
Father  Mather  improved  or  rebuilt  partly  the  church  at  Car- 
lisle. He  may  well  be  ranked  with  the  most  zealous  and 
faithful  missionaries  of  Southern  Pennsylvania. 

The  Conewago  Jesuits  had  a  lot  and  chapel  at  Carlisle, 
long  before  1800.  Sherman  Day,  in  his  Collections,  says  the 
Jesuits  had  a  small  log  church  there.  The  present  brick 
church  was  built  in  1807,  and  enlarged  in  1823.  There  is 
an  old  graveyard  attached  to  the  church,  and  no  doubt  many 
interesting  facts  of  Catholic  history  might  be  gathered  from 
the  place.  It  was  occasionally  visited  by  the  Fathers  on  the 
Catholic  missions  in  Western  Pennsylvania.  In  18G9 
Father  Kelly  attended  Carlisle  from  Chambersburg.  The 
present  pastor  is  Rev.  McKenna. 

There  is  a  fine  brick  parsonage  adjoining  the  church. — 
The  church  bears  evidence  of  age.  Rev.  Huber,  of  the  York 
missions,  has  lately  been  transferred  to  Carlisle. 

The  early  Jesuit  missionaries  also  had  a  log  church  at 
Chambersburg  before  1800,  where  the  present  stone  church 
stands,  built  in  1812.  There  are  several  old  missions  belong- 
ing to  the  Chambersburg  charge,  one  in  Path  Valley,  at 
Waynesboro.  The  Mountain  Church,  and  at  adjoining  towns. 
The  present  pastors  are  Revs.  Schleuter  and  Kaelin. 


THE  KEYSER  CHURCH. 


Keyser  is  situated  on  the  T5.  &  O.  R.  R„  215  miles  from 


130  CONBWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Baltimore.  It  was  formerly  called  New  Creek,  and  was  a 
place  of  little  note  until  the  B.  &  0,  made  it  their  Second 
terminal  division  in  1874.  The  Catholic  mission  was  opened 
by  Rt.  Rev.  J.  O'Sullivan,  Bishop  of  Mobile,  Ala.,  then  pastor 
of  Westernport,  five  miles  west  of  Keyser.  Owing  to  a  want 
of  priests  in  his  diocese,  Bishop  McGill  could  not  supply  either 
Keyser  or  Piedmont,  a  large  and  prosperous  town  across  the 
Potomac  River  from  Westernport.  Father  O'Sullivan  began 
the  erection  of  a  little  church  in  Sept.,  1874.  At  that  time, 
Mrs.  Thompson,  a  widow  with  six  orphans,  were  the  only 
Catholics  in  the  town.  Terence  Corrigan  and  Daniel  Maloney 
then  lived  about  a  mile  east  of  the  town.  These  three  fami- 
lies comprised  the  congregation.  The  carpenter  work  was 
begun  Sep.  14th,  and  the  first  Mass  was  said  Sep.  20th.  The 
little  church  stands  almost  on  the  very  spot  where  Col.  James 
A.  Mulligan,  Twenty-Third  Illinois  Volunteers,  Irish  Brigade, 
erected  a  temporary  chapel  during  the  late  war,  in  which  Dr. 
Butler,  of  Chicago,  officiated.  Rev.  H.  J.  McKeefry,  of  the 
Richmond  Diocese,  took  charge  of  the  congregation  Dec  19th, 
1875,  then  numbering  225  persons.  During  his  pastorate, 
besides  paying  off  a  debt  of  $443  ;  Father  McKeefry  enlarged 
the  church  to  twice  its  original  size,  and  erected  a  parsonage. 
He  also  organized  a  school,  which  he  himself  taught  for  five 
months.  This  good  priest  suffered  many  privations,  for  shortly 
after  his  arrival  the  terminal  division  of  railroad  was  removed 
back  to  Piedmont,  leaving  scarcely  a  dozen  families  to  main- 
tain a  priest.  But  this  true  shepherd  remained  with  his  little 
flock,  when  finally  the  railroad  shops  were  again  located  at 
Keyser.  After  a  successful  pastorate  of  nearly  three  }Tears, 
Rev.  McKeefry  was  succeeded  in  Oct.  1878,  by  Rev.  P.  Fitz- 
simmons,  assistant  pastor  at  Staunton,  Father  McKeefry  tak- 
ing his  place.  During  Rev.  Fitzsimmons'  pastorate  the  church 
at  Paw-Paw,  Morgan  Co.,  (Keyser  is  in  Mineral  Co..)  West 
Ta.,  48  miles  east,  was  assigned  to  Keyser  as  an  auxiliary 
mission.  After  carrying  on  the  work  of  his  predecessors  for 
nearly  two  years,  Father  Fitzsimmons  was  called  to  his  eter- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  131 

nal  rest  Aug.  4th,  1880.  He  is  buried  in  St.  Joseph's  Ceme- 
tery, Martinsburg,  where  a  neat  marble  stone  marks  his  last 
resting  place.  After  an  interval  of  eight  months,  Rev.  P.  J. 
Hasty,  assistant  pastor  of  Lynchburg,  Va.,  was  called  to  take 
charge,  April  loth,  1881.  This  brilliant  young  priest,  after 
a  stay  of  four  months,  was  removed  to  St.  Vincent's  Hospital, 
Norfolk,  where  he  died  Dec.  30th,  1881.  from  the  effects  of 
the  amputation  of  his  right  leg,  rendered  necessary  by  an  ab- 
scess from  blood  poisoning.  In  Aug.,  1881,  Rev.  Eugene 
Mahony,  assistant  at  Martinsburg,  became  pastor,  who,  during 
the  short  period  of  his  stay,  eight  months,  built  a  handsome 
parsonage  and  school  house,  the  greater  part  of  the  work  be- 
ing done  by  himself  in  person.  He  wTas  recalled  to  his  own 
Diocese,  Brooklyn,  in  April,  1882.  May  29th,  1882,  Rev. 
H.  .J.  Cutlor  took  charge,  and  remained  until  Jan.  3d,  1883. 
He  paid  the  remaining  indebtedness,  $700,  incurred  in  build- 
ing the  Pastor's  house  and  the  school  house.  Jan.  3d,  1883, 
Rev.  Cutlor  was  transferred  to  Norfolk,  as  assistant  to  Rev. 
M.  O'Keefe.  On  the  same  day,  Rev.  J.  Frioli  took  charge  of 
Keyser,  and  lias  proven  a  faithful  and  worthy  pistor,  still 
presiding,  Oct.  12th,  1885.  In  the  Summer  of  1882,  a  mis- 
sion was  started  in  Elk  Garden,  a  mining  town,  13  miles  from 
Piedmont,  on  the  W.  Ya.  C.  &  P.  R,  R.  Father  Cutlor  said 
Mass  there  several  times.  This  mission  is  attended  JVom 
Keyser.  A  church,  30x55  feet,  was  built  there  in  the  Fall  of 
1883.  There  are  now  52  families,  numbering  about  270  souls. 
Besides  Paw-Paw  and  Elk  Garden,  Catholic  families,  eleven 
in  number,  in  Hampshire  and  Hardy  Counties,  W.  Va.,  are 
ministered  to  several  times  a  year  by  the  Pastor  of  Keyser. 
During  all  these  years,  from  1876  to  the  present,  a  Catholic 
school  has  been  maintained  in  Keyser,  though  the  number  of 
school  children  never  exceeded  35.  It  is  now  taught  by  Miss 
Bee  Ahem,  of  Martinsburg,  where  she  was  principal  of  the 
Catholic  School  for  a  number  of  }^ears,  and  also  at  Winches- 
ter. The  Keyser  congregation  now  numbers  51  families,  and 
about  250  souls.  At  Paw-Paw  there  are  eleven  families  and 
fifty-three  souls. 


132  COKEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

The  Catholic  church  in  West  Virginia  is  just  in  its  mis- 
sionary state,  but  great  progress  is  being  made  everywhere. 
The  Diocese  of  Wheeling  will  one  clay  be  an  important  one. 
There  are  several  fine  churches  in  Wheeling,  and  a  large  re- 
ligious scholastic  institution  at  Mt.  cle  Chantal.  At  Parkers- 
burg,  Charleston,  Clarksburg,  Weston,  Morgantown,  Fairmont, 
and  at  most  of  the  towns  in  the  State,  are  flourishing  Catholic 
congregations  and  zealous  laborers.  For  want  of  missionary 
priests  in  the  early  settlement  of  this  Little  Mountain  State, 
the  church  lost  many  of  its  faithful.  Quite  a  number  of 
Catholic  families  from  Southern  Pennsylvania  settled  through 
the  Eastern  Panhandle  counties  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last 
century  and  the  beginning  of  the  present.  The  Maryland  and 
Conewago  Jesuits  followed  them  up  as  long  as  possible,  but 
increasing  age  and  labors,  and  removals  by  death,  in  course 
of  time  confined  the  limit  of  their  ministry  east  of  the  Blue 
Ridge.  The  children  of  these  emigrants,  some  in  Hampshire 
and  adjoining  counties,  drifted  away  from  the  faith  through 
the  negligence  of  their  parents  and  the  want  of  religious  in- 
structions. The  seed  of  faith  is  still  there,  and  being  now 
cultivated  by  good  laborers,  will  bring  an  abundant  harvest 
to  the  church. 

We  have  not  time  to  extend  our  researches  much  farther. 
At  Grafton,  Taylor  Co.,  100  miles  from  Keyser,  the  Catholics 
are  well  established.  St.  Augustine's  was  the  first  religious 
organization  in  the  town.  Father  Dillon  celebrated  Mass 
there  in  1853.  A  church  was  built  in  1850,  and  Revs.  Cun- 
ningham and  Malone  visited  the  Catholics  in  the  surrounding 
communities.  The  first  church  is  now  used  as  a  parish  school 
for  the  girls,  and  the  first  parsonage  is  now  occupied  as  the 
Sisters'  Home.  Rev.  Malone  died  and  was  buried  there  in 
1867.  Revs.  Duffy  and  Welsh  succeeded.  Father  Walters, 
a  wrealthy  priest,  built  the  present  fine  church  at  his  own  ex- 
pense in  1872.  He  died  several  years  ago.  Rev.  Keleher 
took  charge  in  1879.  Since  that  schools,  societies  and  church 
work  generally,  have  been  carried  on  very  prosperously. — 
There  are  a  number  of  Sisters  at  the  Home,  Mother  Staney, 
Superior.  Sister  Genevieve  conducts  an  excellent  music 
department. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  133 

THE  MARTINSBURG  CHURCH. 


When  the  Diocese  of  Richmond  was  divided  in  1 850,  Mar- 
tinsburg  and  a  few  adjoining  churches  in  West  Virginia  fell 
to  the  old  Diocese,  and  are  now  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Bishop  of  Richmond,  Va.  There  were  Catholics  among  the 
first  settlers  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  who  crossed  the  Blue 
Ridge  into  Virginia  from  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  as  early 
as  1750.  Many  of  the  early  Catholics  families  have  died  out 
or  removed  farther  Westward,  and  not  a  few  turned  their 
backs  upon  the  religion  of  their  fathers  from  wordly  motives. 
There  have  been  many  converts  to  the  church  since  the  first 
establishment.  The  first  missionaries  through  here  came  from 
Frederick,  Taneytown  and  Conewago.  Fathers  Frambach, 
Gallitzin  and  Zocchi  rode  a  circuit  of  two  hundred  miles  be- 
fore 1800,  which  extended  to  Cumberland  and  south  to  Win- 
chester. There  is  a  tradition  that  French  priests  traveled 
through  this  valley,  doing  missionary  work  among  the  Indians. 
We  have  not  been  able  to  trace  anything  positive  of  them, 
except  in  regard  to  the  Abbe  Jean  Dubois,  who  landed  at 
Norfork  in  1791,  traveling  from  there  to  Frederick  and  on  to 
the  mountains  where  he  founded  Mt.  St.  Mary's.  It  is  evident 
that  he  said  Mass  in  the  house  of  the  McSherry's,  who  were 
among  the  first  Catholic  settlers  of  this  valley  ;  and  also  with 
a  family  in  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  known  as  Orleans 
Church,  where  there  was  an  old  log  church  at  an  early  day. 
The  tradition  of  the  French  priests  may  also  refer  to  Brad- 
dock's  expedition,  and  the  French  and  Indian  wars  at  that 
time,  and  later  to  the  French  allies  under  Washington,  as 
many  of  the  troops  in  those  wars  traversed  this  country,  and 
where  there  were  French  soldiers  there  were  Catholic  priests. 

Another  priest  who  did  active  missionary  work  through 
this  valley,  from  Hagerstown  to  Winchester  and  from  PVed- 
erick  and  Micldleway  to  Martinsbiirg  and  West,  was  Rev. 
Denis  Cahill.     Business  transactions  also  called  him  here  as 


134  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

early  as  1800,  as  some  of  the  law  proceedings  in  the  Berkeley 
Courts  will  show.  He  celebrated  Mass  in  a  private  house 
from  time  to  time,  until  the  spring  of  1806.  when  he  left  for 
his  native  Ireland.  It  is  said  the  first  marriage  celebrated  in 
Martinsburg  was  by  Father  Cahill,  and  that  it  caused  consid- 
erable interest  among  Protestants,  who  at  that  time  yet  en- 
tertained peculiar  ideas  about  the  appearance  of  Catholic 
priests.  It  is  very  likely,  therefore,  that  he  also  said  Mass  in 
Martinsburg,  either  at  the  McSherry's  or  at  the  house  of  John 
Timmons.  It  is  the  supposition  of  some  that  Father  Carroll 
visited  this  section,  but  there  is  no  record  of  his  labors  except 
at  Middleway.  Richard  McSherry,  Sr.,  had  a  homestead  near 
there,  called  "Retirement  Farm,"'  which  was  a  well-known 
stopping  place  for  the  missionary  priests  before  1800.  He 
was  born  in  1747,  died  in  1822.  Wm.  McSherry  was  also 
born  in  that  year,  died  in  ]  834  ;  they  were  probably  broth- 
ers' children.  Richard  McSherry,  Jr.,  lived  in  Martinsburg, 
nearly  opposite  the  present  Catholic  Church.  The  Catholics 
were  attended  occasionally  by  priests  from  Frederick  and 
Hagerstown.  Mass  was  said  in  the  house  of  John  Timmons 
for  the  period  of  nineteen  years,  probably  from  about  1810 
to  near  1830. 

From  the  time  Father  Cahill  left,  1806,  to  about  1820, 
we  can  ascertain  nothing  definite,  but  are  of  the  opinion  that 
several  priests  on  the  Maryland  missions  passed  through  the 
valley  occasionally.  In  those  early  days  before  there  were 
churches  or  congregations,  the  missionaries  had  different  points 
through  the  country  which  they  visited,  where  Mass  was  said, 
and  baptisms  and  marriages  and  other  ceremonies  of  the  church 
performed.  These  places  were  mostly  the  houses  of  well 
known  Catholic  families.  Priests  from  Georgetown  may  have 
been  occasionally  called  to  these  places  by  sickness  or  death. 
The  name  of  Anthony  Kohlman  is  remembered  by  some. — 
He  was  Superior  of  the  Maryland  Missions  in  1817,  and  Rec- 
tor of  Gonzaga  College  in  1821.  From  the  baptismal  registers 
we  gather  some  names  and  dates,  which  are  reliable  as  far  as 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  135 

they  go.  The  missionary  field  to  which  Martinsburg  belonged, 
was  extensive,  and  it  is  not  likely  that  the  priests  were  resi- 
dent anywhere  much  before  1840.  To  give  some  idea  of  the 
extent,  there  are  entries  of  baptisms,  marriages  and  deaths  at 
the  following  places,  taking  them  as  they  come  :  Harper's 
Ferry,  near  Clarksburg,  Valley  River,  North  River,  Bath, 
Upper  Dam,  Martinsburg,  Leetown,  Dugan's,  Waterford, 
Smithfield,  Sleepy  Creek,  Hillsboro,  Shepherdstown,  Boland's, 
Winchester,  Lovettsville,  Loudon  Co.  Frederick  Co.,  Wash- 
ington Co.,  Warren  Co.,  Romney,  Hampshire  Co.,  Berkeley 
and  Jefferson,  Front  Royal,  Strasburg,  &c.  This  was  especi- 
ally the  field  covered  by  Father  Whelan,  though  Father 
Plunkett  yet  attended  many  of  these  places.  Is  there  not  a 
priest  or  anyone  -in  the  Virginias  who  will  do  justice  to  the 
life  and  labors  of  Richard  Whelan  ?  For  many  years  he  kept 
the  faith  alive  from  the  Ohio  to  the  boundaries  of  the  Poto- 
mac and  the  Shenandoah.  He  traversed  hills  and  mountains, 
through  rain  and  shine  and  cold  and  heat ;  many  a  death-bed 
was  gladdened  by  his  presence,  many  a  heart  made  happy 
and  a  soul  saved  through  his  labors.  Great  and  grand  was 
his  charity,  sincere  his  life  and  disinterested  his  sacrifices,  for 
he  sought  no  temporal  reward  and  received  no  earthly  pay. 
He  is  the  Frambach  or  the  Gallitzin  of  the  Virginias.  Though 
a  stranger  to  us  in  a  strange  country,  his  life's  work  challenges 
our  admiration. 

The  first  record  is  that  of  Rev.  James  Redmond,  May 
30th,  1819,  and  his  last  Aug.  13th,  1821.  In  1820,  Father 
Redmond  married  a  couple  "  in  the  chapel  room."  Whether 
he  commenced  the  building  of  the  old  stone  church,  is  not 
known.  Rev.  John  Mahoney's  name  appears  in  1822.  Then 
there  is  no  record  until  1834,  in  which  year  are  the  names  of 
Revs.  Geo.  Flautt  and  Francis  B.  Jamison.  In  1835,  the  lat- 
ter baptized  eight  children,  slaves,  the  property  of  Miss  Ann 
O'Neal,  of  Montgomery  Co.  Rev.  Richard  Whelan's  name 
appears  Jan.  3d,  1835,  and  continuously  until  1840.  In  1838, 
there  is  the  name  of  an  assistant,  Rev.  Jos.  Strain.     Rev.  P 


136  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Danaher  signs  himself  temporary  pastor  in  1841.  Rev.  John 
O'Brien  pastor  from  1842  to  ;44,  and  occasionally  in  '45,  6 
and  7.  Rev.  Jos.  H.  Plunkett  was  pastor  continuously  from 
1844  to  1851  ;  from  that  year  until  1853,  Rev.  Andrew  Talty 
was  with  him;  from  that  time  until  Jan.  5th,  1856,  Rev, 
Plunkett's  name  appears  alone.  Sept.  19th,  1845,  baptism  in 
Moorefield  by  Bishop  Whelau.  After  he  was  Bishop  of  Rich- 
mond he  traveled  through  Western  Virginia  more  like  a  mis- 
sionary than  a  Bishop,  and  there  are  baptismal  and  marriage 
records  by  him  as  Bishop  on  many  of  the  missions.  There  is 
the  signature  of  Rev.  A.  Grogan  once  or  twice  from  1848  to 
'52.  The  only  Jesuits  whose  names  are  found  are  Fathers 
Ciampi  and  Bague,  about  1850.  Rev.  Father  Leitte  signed 
in  1 854.  Bishop  McGill  baptized  Joseph  Plunkett,  of  Mobile, 
in  1851..  Rev.  L.  E.Leonard  took  charge  Feb.  1st,  1856, 
remaining  a  few  months.  Rev.  Andrew  Talty  was  pastor 
from  that  until  1860,  with  the  names,  occasionally,  of  Revs. 
Plunkett  and  W.  Kenney.  Rev.  Thos.  A.  Becker  was  pastor 
from  Jan.  1860,  until  1863.     So  much  for  the  records. 

The  date  of  the  erection  of  the  first  church  building  is 
put  by  some  at  1828  ;  others  make  it  1830,  by  Father  Red- 
mond. He  must  have  been  a  Virginia  priest,  as  his  name  is 
strange  to  us.  There  were  about  fifty  Catholic  families  here, 
who  aided  liberally  in  the  work,  as  did  also  their  Protestant 
friends.  The  church  cost  about  $4,000,  and  was  located  on 
the  ground  of  the  present  Catholic  Cemetery.  He  was  called 
to  Rome,  before  the  church  was  completed.  He  died  there, 
much  beloved  and  regretted  by  the  Catholics  of  Virginia. 

Rev.  Patrick  Kelley  was  appointed  Bishop  of  Richmond 
when  the  Diocese  was  formed  in  1820.  He  resided  at  Nor- 
folk. The  Laity's  Directory  of  1822,  says  that  the  Catholics 
of  Martinsburg,  Winchester,  Bath,  and  Shepherdstown  were 
formerly  attended  by  priests  from  Maryland,  but  in  the  future 
would  be  in  charge  of  the  priest  stationed  at  Winchester. — 
Rev.  J.  B.  Gildea  attended  the  missions  from  1830  until  1835. 
.  Besides  completing  the  Martinsburg  Church,  he  built  St.  Peter's 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  137 

at  Harper's  Ferry,  and  St.  Vincent's  in  Baltimore.  His  name 
is  not  on  the  records.  Rev.  Richard  Vincent  Whelan  took 
charge  in  1836,  remaining  four  years.  He  was  a  noble 
priest  and  a  true  missionary.  He  was  the  second  Bishop  of 
Richmond,  consecrated  March  31st,  1841.  In  1846,  he  visited 
Wheeling,  and  seeing  the  great  need  of  laborers  in  the  vine- 
yard at  that  place,  he  never  returned  to  his  See.  He  became 
the  first  Bishop  of  Western  Virginia,  and  labored,  died  and  is 
buried  at  W  neeling.  Rev.  John  McGill  became  Bishop  of 
Richmond  in  1850.  The  Rt.  Rev.  James  Gibbons,  now  Arch- 
bishop of  Baltimore,  succeeded  him  in  1872.  Bishop  Keane 
is  the  present  prelate  in  charge  of  the  Diocese,  a  very  elo- 
quent and  learned  man,  much  beloved  by  priests  and  people. 
Rev.  John  Kain  succeeded  Bishop  Whelan  in  the  West  Vir- 
ginia Diocese.  His  parents  resided  in  Martinsburg,  where  he 
spent  his  childhood  years.  He  had  three  sisters,  one  living, 
one  in  religion,  and  another  one  died  from  the  fright  of  sol- 
diers entering  the  house  during  the  war.  His  aged  mother 
has  just  been  buried  at  Wheeling;  she  was  in  her  81st  year, 
and  came  to  Martinsburg  from  Ireland  fifty  years  ago. 

Rev.  J.  O'Brien  succeeded  Father  Whelan  as  pastor  at 
Martinsburg.  about  1840,  and  remained  seven  years.  Rev. 
J.  H.  Plunket  was  sent  in  1845,  who  commenced  the  erection 
of  the  present  St.  Joseph's  Church  on  South  Queen  St.  The 
subscription  paper  is  dated  Feb.  17th,  1850.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  in  1850.  The  church  was  dedicated  Sept.  30th, 
I860,  by  Bishop  McGill  ;  it  cost  about  $40,000.  It  is  a  very 
substantial  building,  with  a  beautiful  marble  altar.  The  plan 
of  architecture  provided  for  a  steeple,  the  massive  stone  front 
at  the  church  being  intended  for  its  foundations. 

It  is  said  that  the  old  church  at  Martinsburg  was  built 
by  Rev.  J.  B.  Gildea  ;  he  may  have  finished  it.  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Harper's  Ferry,  was  built  by  him.  He  attended 
Martinsburg  and  the  missions  along  the  canal  route.  He  died 
in  Baltimore  and  is  buried  under  the  altar  in  St.  Vincent's 
Church.     This  priest  frequently  said  Early  Mass  at  the  Ferry,. 


138  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

then  rode  on  horse  back  to  Martinsburg  and  said  Late  Mass. 
The  Frederick  priests  attended  Harper's  Ferry  for  many  years. 
It  is  related  that  some  fanatical  Virginians  in  pursuit  of  Rev. 
James  Frambach,  S.  J.,  made  him  swim  his  horse  across  the 
Potomac,  under  fire  of  their  guns.  As  we  have  seen,  Harper's 
Ferry  was  served  by  many  priests  who  attended  Martinsburg 
and  the  other  missions.  So  was  Shepherdstown,  which  has 
never  yet  had  a  church,  services  being  held  in  private  houses. 
An  effort  is  now  being  made  to  build  a  church.  Rev.  Denis 
Cahill  said  Mass  there  before  1800.  Among  the  late  pastors 
of  Harper's  Ferry,  are  Revs.  Kain,  Van  de  Vyver,  O'Reilley  ; 
and  Wilson,  lately  from  Petersburg,  Va.  He  has  several 
missions  in  Loudon,  Frederick  and  Jefferson  Counties. 

The  ground  for  the  cemetery  and  old  church  at  Martins- 
burg, was  given  by  Richard  McSherry.  His  house  was  a  home 
for  every  one  in  need  ;  priests  and  people,  all  found  in  him  a 
friend.  Mrs.  McSherry,  (the  Anastasia  of  Wizard  Clip.) 
would  send  word  far  and  wide  to  gather  together  the  few 
Catholics,  so  they  could  receive  the  Sacraments.  His  charity 
was  unbounded  ;  many  a  poor  Irishman  owes  his  start  in  life 
to  him,  and  she  was  equally  good  to  poor  girls. 

Among  the  priests  who  occasionally  attended  Martins- 
burg from  the  Western  Maryland  missions  were  Revs.  Flautt, 
Jamison  and  Myers,  and  perhaps  others.  Rev.  John  O'Brien 
left  the  Virginia  Missions  about  1858,  and  went  to  Lowell, 
Mass.,  where  he  died.  The  Sisters  of  Charity  were  establish- 
ed in  Martinsburg  many  years  ago,  probably  under  Rev. 
Whelan  ;  they  left  for  want  of  support,  as  the  congregation 
was  small  and  poor.  One  of  the  Sisters.  (Victoria  we  believe,) 
died  and  was  buried  here,  but  whether  she  was  afterwards 
removed  to  Emmettsburg  we  can  not  ascertain.  Father 
Whelan  was  a  hard  worker.  He  fenced  in  the  graveyard, 
and  laid  a  stone  walk  from  Pendleton's  corner  to  the  church- 
yard gate.  With  his  own  hands  he  made  the  large  double 
cistern,  still  used  at  the  new  church.  Unlimited  was  his  care 
for  the  poor,  for  whom  he  solicited  in  person,  and  with  his  own 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  139 

arms  would  take  them  wood  and  supplies, — when  going  to  say 
Mass  in  early  winter  mornings,  some  poor  widow  would  find 
an  armful  of  wood  at  her  door  when  she  awoke.  He  would 
give  when  he  was  in  want  himself.  Father  Plunkett  was  also 
a  faithful  missionary  priest.  He  began  the  stone  work  of  the 
present  church  ;  for  want  of  means  work  was  suspended  and 
the  walls  covered  over.  He  was  removed  to  Portsmouth ; 
where  he  built,  or  partly  so,  a  large  church,  and  died  there, 
much  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  Rev.  Andrew  Talty, 
his  assistant  at  Martinsburg,  finished  the  church  here  as  far 
as  funds  would  allow.  He  put  wooden  steps  before  the  church, 
which  were  replaced  with  stone  by  Rev.  J.  J.  Kain,  who  also 
finished  the  basement.  During  the  War  it  was  used  by  the 
Jessie  Scouts  for  a  stable  for  sixty  horses,  and  the  sacristy 
rooms  were  used  as  prisons.  Capt.  Kyd  Douglass  was  con- 
fined there  six  months.  The  church  was  only  used  twice  by 
the  soldiers,  as  the  wooden  steps  were  too  frail  and  inconven- 
ient. Rev.  Talty  died  in  Washington,  in  the  hospital.  Bishop 
Becker  was  a  convert  under  Father  Plunkett ;  he  was  bap- 
tized in  Winchester,  made  his  First  Communion  at  the  Ferry 
and  was  confirmed  in  St.  John's  (the  old  church,)  Martinsburg, 
Nov.  6th,  1853,  by  Bishop  John  McGill.  Bishop  Kain  was 
confirmed  by  the  same  in  1851.  He  was  born  "near  Bath," 
(probably  near  North  Mountain,)  May  22d,  1840.  His  par- 
ents were  Jeremiah  and  Ellen  Kain.  He  was  ordained  about 
1866.  Bishop  Becker  was  sent  through  the  lines  to  Balti- 
more by  Gen.  Stevenson,  for  praying  for  President  Davis. — 
He  was  ordained  in  Rome  about  1860  ;  became  Bishop  of 
Wilmington  in  ]  868. 

There  is  mention  of  Rev.  E.  O'Flaherty  having  been  sent 
to  Martinsburg  in  Jan.,  1856,  but  nothing  is  known  of  him 
here, 

Rev.  Oscar  Sears  succeeded  Father  Becker.  He  remained 
until  compelled  to  leave  by  ill  health,  when  he  went  to  Lynch- 
burg, where  he  died  Oct.  30th,  1867.  He  was  a  convert. — 
The  present  parsonage  was  purchased  when  he  was  pastor,  in 


140  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

]  866.  Father  Kain  succeeded.  He  improved  the  church  in 
many  ways  ;  built  the  stone  steps,  finished  the  basement  so  it 
could  be  used  for  school  rooms,  frescoed  the  church,  estab- 
lished parochial  schools  and  paid  off  many  debts.  He  built 
the  present  church  at  Berkeley  Springs,  which  is  also  an  old 
Catholic  mission.  It  was  famous  for  its  springs  before  the 
Revolution,  and  the  Carrolls,  Washington  and  other  great  men 
visited  the  place.  There  was  a  brick  church  there  before  the 
present  one  was  built,  and  before  that  an  old  log  church. — 
There  was  a  Jesuit  priest  named  Brady  had  a  property  there, 
known  as  the  priest's  place.  Some  Sulpitians  were  also  there 
vears  ago.  It  is  now  attended  several  times  a  month  by  Rev. 
H.  J.  McKeefry,  from  Martinsburg. 

Rev.  P.  J.  O'Keefe  was  for  a  time  the  assistant  of  Father 
Kain  at  Martinsburg.  and  succeeded  him.  Ill  health  compelled 
his  removal.  Rev.  J.  Kelley,  of  Richmond,  took  charge  Jan. 
19th,  1874  ;  he  continued  the  good  work  and  paid  off  some  of 
the  debts.  He  was  succeeded  Nov.  8th,  by  Rev.  C.  Van 
Quackelburg,  of  Natchez,  Tenn.  He  built  the  church  at  Paw- 
Paw,  and  made  many  improvements  in  Martinsburg.  He  re- 
turned to  Natchez  in  1877,  and  died  there  of  Yellow  Fever. 
He  is  kindly  remembered  as  "  Father  Charles."  Rev.  John 
Docherty,  of  Warrenton,  Va.,  followed  and  remained  until 
1880;  paid  off  considerable  of  the  debt,  and  was  much  be- 
loved and  respected  by  the  people.  He  is  now  stationed  at 
St.  Patrick's,  Richmond.  Rev.  O'Donohue  was  an  assistant  of 
Father  Kelley,  and  remained  with  Father  Charles  ;  he  was 
appointed  pastor  of  Warrenton  and  surrounding  missions. — 
Rev.  J.  B.  O'Reilley  then  came  for  a  short  period.  He  then 
became  pastor  of  Harper's  Ferry,  and  is  now  at  Winchester, 
where  he  succeeded  the  learned  Dr.  O'Connel,  Secretary  of 
the  late  Council  of  Baltimore  and  now  Rector  of  the  Ameri- 
can College  at  Rome. 

Rev.  H.  J.  McKeefry,  the  present  pastor,  came  from 
Norfolk  in  1881.  He  was  born  at  Kilsea,  County  Derry, 
Ireland ;  took  his  classical  course  at  Visnage  College,  Belfast ; 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  141 

studied  philosphy  and  theology  at  St.  Vincent's  College,  Pa., 
and  was  ordained  at  St,  Mary's  Seminary,  Baltimore,  by 
Bishop  Becker,  June  28th,  1871,  for  the  Richmond  Diocese. 
He  is  a  young  man,  full  of  energy  and  zeal  in  his  church  work. 
He  is  a  prudent  manager,  a  successful  financier  in  the  raising 
of  money  and  the  payment  of  purchasing  and  building  prop- 
erty,— abilities  that  may  point  him  out  in  course  of  time  for 
more  important  ecclesiastical  stations.  He  is  well  liked  by  his 
congregation,  who  work  together  with  him  in  perfect  harmony 
in  all  church  work. 

Years  ago  there  were  a  good  many  Germans  in  St.  Jos- 
eph's congregation,  but  since  the  building  the  B.  &  0.  R.  R. 
the  Irish  form  the  greater  part  of  the  congregation.  Their 
native  fidelity  to  the  church  shows  itself  here.  They  are 
mostly  poor  workers  on  the  railroad  and  in  the  shops,  but  in 
raising  a  church  subscription  we  have  seen  poor  men  sub- 
scribe far  more  than  they  were  worth.  We  note  this  in  vol- 
untary testimony  to  their  liberality  and  their  true  Irish  faith, 
which  have  always  challenged  the  admiration  of  the  christian 
world. 

In  1883,  the  Judge  Hall  property  was  purchased  for 
$5,000  ;  improvements  costing  $1500  were  made  and  the 
school  building  remodeled  this  summer  at  a  cost  of  $700. — 
Through  the  perseverance  of  the  pastor  and  the  generosity  of 
the  congregation,  the  whole  amount  has  been  paid.  The  par- 
ochial school  was  long  taught  in  the  basement  of  the  church  ; 
among  the  teachers  were  A.  S.  Goulden,  D.  C.  Westenhaver, 
Mr.  Kennedy,  Miss  B.  Ahern,  Miss  Mary  C.  Doll,  and  others. 
The  Sisters  of  Charity,  from  Emmittsburg,  took  charge  Sept. 
1st,  1  883.  The  school  is  very  successful,  there  being  about 
200  children  in  attendance.  The  Sisters  have  a  large  music 
class,  and  teach  other  higher  branches.  They  have  an  insti- 
tution beautifully  situated,  and  every  advantage  and  require- 
ment for  a  boarding  school  for  young  ladies.  The  church 
membership  is  1500.  There  is  a  large  Sunday-school  attached 
to  the  church  ;  also  Sodality  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  Sanctuary 


142  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Society,  St.. Joseph's  Cadet  Corps,  St.  Patrick's  and  St.  Jos- 
eph's I.  C.  B.  U.  Societies,  a  Widows'  and  Orphans'  Fund  So- 
ciety, Knights  of  America,  and  a  Catholic  Drum  Corps.  Ad- 
joining the  church  is  a  two-story  residence  for  the  pastor, 
which  has  been  greatly  improved  this  year.  St.  Joseph's 
Cemetery  is  a  large  burying  ground,  fronting  Norborne. — 
Many  of  the  old  Catholics  of  the  Valley  are  buried  here. — 
There  is  a  priest  buried  there,  noted  in  the  Keyset*  Church 
record. 

A  number  of  missions  have  been  given  from  time  to  time 
at  St.  Joseph's :  by  the  Jesuits  Bernard  Maguire  and  C.  King, 
1866;  Fathers  Shea,  Gaveney  and  another  Jesuit  in  1868; 
Revs.  Sourer,  Kreuss  and  Furley  in  1870,  when  a  mission 
cross  was  erected  in  the  church  ;  Revs.  Ratki  and  Keitz  after 
that ;  Revs.  Elliott  and  Smith,  four  years  ago  ;  and  two  years 
ago  by  Revs.  Doyle  and  Brady,  Paulists.  The  Forty  Hours 
were  held  Oct.  4th,  1885  ;  Revs.  McKeefry,  Frioli,  Weider, 
O'Reilley,  present.  Bishop  O'Sullivan  preached  in  the  even- 
ing.    There  were  450  Communicants. 

Besides  Berkeley  Springs,  the  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  oc- 
casionally says  Mass  at  Rock  Gap,  in  Mr.  John  Neary's  house 
and  at  Mr.  Michel's,  in  Morgan  Co.  ;  at  Charles  Minghinni's 
and  Mr.  Thomas's,  in  Back  Creek  Valley.  Berkeley  Co.  The 
erection  of  a  steeple,  according  to  the  original  design  of  St. 
Joseph's,  is  now  in  contemplation. 

This  valley  has  given  to  religion  a  number  of  priests  and 
sisters.  Francis  Patrick  Duggan,  a  well-known  Baltimore 
priest,  was  born  near  North  Mountain,  educated  at  St.  Charles 
and  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  John  Joseph  Kain,  now  Bishop  of 
Wheeling,  was  born  along  the  B.  &  0.,  near  North  Mountain, 
and  his  pious  mother  carried  him  from  there  to  church  at 
Martinsburg.  She  was  a  noble  christian  woman,  true  to  the 
country  of  her  birth  in  faith  and  every  virtue.  His  father 
was  injured  on  the  railroad  and  is  buried  in  St.  Joseph's  Cem- 
etery, so  is  his  sister  ;  steps  are  being  taken  to  remove  their 
remains  to  Wheeling  where  the  mother  is  buried.     Bishop 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  143 

Becker,  though  born  in  Pittsburg,  spent  his  early  life  in  the 
Shenandoah.  John  Boler,  priest,  was  born  near  Kearneys- 
ville.  August,  son  of  Charles  Thurael,  now  preparing  for  or- 
dination, was  born  in  JVfartinsburg.  Michael  Ahern,  student 
at  St.  Charles,  also  born  here  ;  and  Anthony  McKeefry, 
student  there,  born  in  Ireland,  is  a  brother  of  the  pastor  of 
St.  Joseph's.  James  O'Farrel,  Wm.  Lynch,  Edw.  Tierney, 
and  John  Hagan,  priests,  were  born  at  Harper's  Ferrv. — 
Father  Tierney  was  educated  at  the  Propaganda  and  ordained 
at  Home.  Wm.  Dubourg,  son  of  Richard  McSherry,  born  in 
Martinsburg  in  1824,  a  Novice  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  died 
at  Georgetown  in  1845,  and  is  buried  with  his  fathers  in  St. 
Joseph's  Cemetery.  Bernie  Doll,  brother  of  Mary  Cecilia,  a 
Sister,  was  born  in  Martinsburg.  He  deserves  notice  as  a 
christian  hero.  During  an  epidemic  of  Yellow  Fever  at 
Shrieveport,  La.,  he  gave  up  a  good  business,  accompanied 
the  parish  priest  in  his  attendance  upon  the  sick,  and  died  at 
the  bedside  of  the  Yellow  Fever  patients.  Sept.  7th,  1862, 
Albert,  third  son  of  Charles  Carroll,  of  Carrollton,  was  shot 
by  the  Confederates,  near  Darkesville,  Berkeley  County, 
and  buried  at  St.  Joseph's  Cemetery,  Martinsburg,  Sept.  9th. 
Rev.  M.  Costello,  D.  D.,  was  at  Harper's  Ferry  in  I860,  and 
visited  Winchester  monthly,  Martinsburg  occasionally.  He 
was  a  promising  young  Irish  priest,  educated  at  All-Hallows ; 
died  at  Harper's  Ferry  Feb.  17th,   1867,  and  is  buried  there. 

The  following  young  ladies  of  the  parish  became  Sisters  : 
Rose  McGeary,  Sr.  Elizabeth  of  the  Good  Shepherd ;  Evaline 
Blondell,  dec'd,  Sr.  Redempte,  received  at  Philadelphia  ;  Car- 
oline Piet,  dec'd,  Sr.  Samuel ;  Rose  Dunn,  Frederick,  Sr. 
Paula  ;  Ella  Montague,  Sr.  Genevieve  ;  Maggie  McDonald, 
Emmittsburg,  Sr.  Rose  ;  Mary  C.  Doll,  Visitation,  Wilmington, 
Del.,  Sr.  Bernard  ;  Ella  Kain,  St.  Joseph's,  Wheeling,  Sr.  Jos- 
eph ;  Susan  V.  Cunningham,  Emmittsburg,  Sr.  Loretto ;  Mol- 
lie  O'Connors,  Emmittsburg,  now  at  Mt.  Hope,  Sr.  Agnes  ; 
also  a  Miss  Neumann,  niece  of  Father  Plunkett,  and  a  Miss 
Timmins.       Bridget  O'Leary.  North   Mountain,    received  at 


144  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Frederick,  Sr.  Madeline.  Mary  Hall,  a  convert,  daughter  of 
Capt.  Hall,  Supt.  U.  S.  Armory,  Harper's  Ferry,  joined  the 
Sisters  of  Mercy  at  Wilmington,  N.  C,  as  Sr.  Elizabeth. 

For  considerable  information  concerning  the  Martinsburg 
Church,  we  are  indebted  to  Mrs.  Helen  Scharman,  a  descend- 
ant of  Anastasia  McSherry,  nee  Lilly,  mention  of  whom  is 
made  by  Father  Finoti,  in  his  Clip  book.  She  is  an  intelli- 
gent woman,  having  an  extensive  knowledge  of  early  local 
church  history,  through  tradition  from  her  grandmother  and 
mother,  and  from  personal  recollection.  The  old  Missal  used 
by  Prince  Gallitzin  on  his  missionary  travels,  is  in  her  pos- 
session. 


The  Catholic  church  is  strongly  established  at  Cumber- 
land, Md.,  both  in  numbers  and  church  institutions  and  prop- 
erty. The  Sisters  have  fine  buildings  there,  and  the  Capu- 
chins a  large  monastery.  Father  Frambach,  S.  J.,  did  mis- 
sionary work  at  Cumberland  as  early  as  1780.  The  first 
church  was  built  in  1794.  The  old  church,  St.  Mary's,  was 
torn  clown  in  1850,  and  Carroll  Hall  built.  The  new  church 
is  of  brick,  Ionic  order  of  architecture,  is  called  St.  Patrick's 
and  was  built  under  Rev.  Obermeyer.  In  1866,  St.  Edward's 
Academy  was  built,  in  charge  of  Sisters  of  Mercy.  Rev.  F. 
X.  Marshall  pastor  in  1833  ;  Rev.  Henry  Myers  in  1837,  and 
for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  greatly  beloved  and  respected 
by  Catholics  and  Protestants.  Rev.  B.  S.  Piot  assistant  from 
Mt.  Savage  until  1852,— Leonard  Obermeyer,  pastor.  1853, 
Rev.  John  B.  Byrne,  assistant.  1855,  Rev.  P.  B.  Lenaghan ; 
1856,  Revs.  James  Carney,  Michael  O'Reilley  ;  1859,  Rev. 
Geo.  Flautt,  Rev.  Edw.  Brennan,  asssistant ;  1860,  Rev.  Edw. 
Brennan  ;  successors,  Revs.  Edmund  Didier,  Father  Barry, 
James  Casey,  Charles  Damur,  F.  S.  Ryan.  1881,  Rev.  F. 
Brennan ;  Rev.  J.  Mattingly,  assistant.  Father  Brennan  died 
there  several  years  ago;  he  was  a  very  able  and  popular 
priest;  Father  McDivitt  succeeded  him.  There  are  a  number 
of  small  missions  in  the  surrounding  mining  regions. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


145 


Some  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


Remember  your  prelates,  nho  have  spoken  to  you  the  word  of  God,  con- 
sidering' well  the  end  of  their  conversation,  and  imitate  their  faith. 
Jesus  Christ    yesterday    and    lo-day   and    the  same   forever,—  Hep.   xiii.,  7. 


THE  MISSIONARY  PRIEST  GALLITZIN. 


The  following  is  from  Chap.  XI  of  MacLeod's  Devotion  of  the  B.  V.  in 
North  America  ;  partly  taken  from  a  Discourse  on  the  Life  and  Virtues  of 
Father  Gallitzin,  by  Very  Rev.  Thomas  Heyden  : 


*    *    *    *    As  early  as  1795  there  was. one 
Fattier  Smith  who  Was  missionary  for  an 

enormous  district  in  Western  Maryland, 
Virginia,  and  Pennsylvania.  There,  for 
forty-one  years,  he  toiled  In  humble  faith- 
fulness; from  thence  his  soul  ascended  to 
the  judgment  which  his  life  had  merited. 
It  will  not  be   uninteresting  to  consider 


some  points  in  the  life  of  this  servant  of 
Mary,  this  glorious,  although  unrenowned 
pioneer  of  her  honor  in  this  country. 

This  Father  Smith,  missionary  of  Hae- 
erstown  and  Cumberland  in  Maryland,  of 
Martinsbnrg  and  Winchester  in  Virginia, 
of  Chambersburg  and  the  Alleghany 
mountain   sweep    in    Pennsylvania,    arid 


146 


CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 


thence  southward  ;  of  far  more,  in  a  word, 
than  what  now  constitutes  the  entire  dio- 
cese of  Pittsburg;  this  rival  of  Gomez  in 
the  south,  and  of  Father  Chaumonot  in  the 
north  ;  this  founder  of  Our  Lady  of  Loretto 
in  the  centre  of  the  continent,  was  not  al- 
ways known  as  Father  Smith.  In  his  own 
country,  the  vast  Muscovite  empire,  then 
ruled  by  the  Czar  Alexander  I.,  he  was 
known  as  the  Prince  Augustine  de  Gallit- 
zin.  His  father.  Prince  Demetrius  Gallit- 
zin,  was  ambassador  of  Catherine  the 
Great  to  Holland,"  at  the  time  of  the  mis- 
sionary's birth.  His  mother,  the  Princess 
Am  elia.was  daughter  of  that  famous  Field- 
marshal  Count  von  Schmettau  who  illus- 
trates the  military  annals  of  Frederick  the 
Great. 

The  young  Gallitzin  was  decorated  in  his 
very  cradle  with  military  titles,  which 
destined  him  from  his  birth  to  the  highest 
posts  in  the  Russian  army.  High  in  the 
favor  ot  the  Empress  Catherine,  his  father, 
a  haughty  and  ambitious  nobleman, 
dreaming  only  of  the  advancement  of  his 
son  in  the  road  of  preferment  and  worldly 
honor,  was  resolved  to  give  him  an 
education  worthy  of  his  exalted  birth  and 
brilliant  prospects.  Religion  formed  no 
part  of  the  plan  of  the  father,  who  was 
a  proficient  in  the  school  of  Gallic  infidel- 
ity, and  the  friend  of  Diderot.  It  was 
carefully  excluded.  Special  care  was  tak- 
en not  to  suffer  any  ministerof  religion  to 
approach  the  study  room  of  the  young 
prince.  He  was  surrounded  by  infidel 
teachers.  His  mother,  a  Catholic  by  birth 
and  early  education,  was  seduced  into 
seeming  Voltairianism  by  the  court  fash- 
ion of  her  native  country,  and  her  marri- 
age with  Prince  Demetrius  confirmed  her 
habits  of  apparent  infidelity;  we  say  ap- 
parent, for  she  retained,  even  in  the  salons 
of  Paris  and  in  the  society  of  Madame  du 
Chatelet.  a  fervent  devotion  to  Saint  Aug- 
ustine, that  grand  doctor  of  the  Church 
who  had  been  a  great  wordling  and  here- 
tic. After  the  marriage  of  the  elder  Gal- 
litzin  with  the  Princess  Amelia,  he 
brought  her  to  Palis  and  introduced  her 
to  his  literary  infidel  friends,  especially 
to  Diderot,  in  whose  company  he  delight- 
ed. This  philosopher  endeavored  to  win 
the  princess  over  to  his  atheistical  sys- 
tem; but  though  she  was  more  than  indif- 
ferent on  the  subject  of  religion,  her  na- 
turally strong  mind  discovered  the  hol- 
lowness  ofhisreasoning.  It  was  remarked 
that  she  would  frequently  puzzle  the 
philosopher  by  the  little  interrogative- 
why  ?  And  as  he  could  not  satisfy  her 
objections, she  was  determined  to  examine 
thoroughly  the  grounds  of  revelation.— 
Though  having  no  religion  herself,  she 
wasdetermmed  to  instruct  her  children  in 
one.  She  opened  the  Bible  merely  fortiie 
purpose  of  teaching  her  children  the  his- 
torical part  of  it.  The  beauty  of  revealed 
trulh,  notwithstanding  the  impedimental' 
indifference  and  unbelief,  would  some- 
times strike  her— her  mind  being  of  that 
mould  which,  according  to  Tertullian.  is 
naturally  Christian. 

A  terrible  illness  called  her  mind  back 
to  God:  she  saw  the  truth  and  beauty  of 
the  Catholic  faith,  and  she  returned  tothe 
protection  of  Mary  on  the  Feast  of  St. 
Augustine,  in  the  week  following  the  Oc- 
tave of  Our  Lord's  Assumption. 

It  is  to  the  happy  influence  and  bright 
example  of  his  mother,  to  whom,  under 
God,  we  must  mainly  ascribe  the  conver- 
sion of  the   young    Demetrius.     As   the 


illustrious  Bishop  of  Milan,  St.  Ambrose, 
consoled  the  mother  of  Augustine,  when 
he  used  to  say  "  that  it  was  impossible  for  a 
son  to  be  lost  for  whom  so  many  tears  were 
shed;"  so  we  may  believe  that  the  pious 
Furstenberg,  her  son's  tutor,  cheered,  in  a 
similar  manner,  this  good  lady,  in  her  in- 
tense solicitude  for  a  son  whom  she  so 
tenderly  loved. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  the  young  prince 
was  received  into  the  Church.  He  was,in 
the  year  1792,  appointed  aid-de-camp  to 
the  Austrian  Seneral  Von  Lilien,  who 
commanded  an  army  in  Brabant  at  the 
opening  of  the  first  campaign  against  the 
French  Jacobins.  The  sudden  death  of  the 
Emperor  Leopold,  and  the  murder  of  the 
king  of  Sweden  by  Ankerstron,  both  sus- 
pected to  be  the  work  of  the  French  Ja- 
cobins who  had  declared  war  against  all 
kings  and  all  religions,  caused  the  govern- 
ments of  Austria  and  Prussia  to  issue  a 
very  strict  order  disqualifying  all  foreign- 
ers from  military  offices.  Inconsequence 
of  this  order  theyoung  Princede  Gallitzin 
was  excluded.  Russia  not  taking  any 
part  in  the  war  against  France,  there  was 
no  occasion  ottered  to  him  for  pursuing 
the  profession  of  arms  for  which  he  had 
been  destined  by  military  education.  It 
was  therefore  determined  by  his  parents 
that  he  should  tiavel  abroad  and  make 
the  grand  tour.  He  was  allowed  twoyeai  s 
to  travel;  and  lest,  in  the  mean  time,  his 
acquirements,  the  fruits  of  a  very  finished 
education,  might  sutler,  he  was  placed  un- 
der the  guidance  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brosius, 
a  voiiug  missionary  then  about  to  em  bark 
for  America,  witli  whom  his  studies  were 
to  be  still  continued.  In  the  company  of 
this  excellent  clergyman  he  reached  the 
United  States  tn  1792. 

The  next  we  need  see  of  him  isasasem- 
inarian  with  the  Sulpicians  in  Baltimore, 
November  5,  1792.  In  this  moment  of  his 
irrevocable  sacrifice  of  himself  to  God, the 
feelings  of  his  inmost  soul  may  be  gath- 
ered from  a  letter  which  he  wrote  at  the 
time  to  a  clergyman  of  Monster,  in  Ger- 
many. In  it  he  begs  him  to  prepare  his 
mother  for  the  step  he  had  finally  taken, 
and  informs  him  that  he  had  sacrificed 
himself,  with  all  that  he  possessed,  to  the 
service  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  his 
neighbor  in  America,  whi.re  the  harvest 
was  so  great  and  the  laborers  so  few,  and 
where  the  in  issionary  had  to  ride  frequent- 
ly forty  and  fifty  miles  a  d  »y,  undergoing 
difficulties  and  dangeis  of  every  descrip- 
tion. He  adds,  thai  he  doubted  not  his 
call,  as  he  was  willing  to  subject  himself 
to  such  arduous  labor. 

Father  EtienneBadin  was  the  first  priest 
ordained  in  the  United  States;  Prince 
Gallitzin  was  the  second,  and  lie,  as  early 
as  1799,  was  settled  for  lile  in  the  then 
bleak  and  savage  region  of  the  Alleghan- 
ies.  From  his  post  to  Lake  Erie,  from  the 
Susquehanna  to  the  Potomac,  there  was 
no  priest,  no  church,  no  religious  station 
of  any  kind.  Think,  then,  of  the 
inevitable  labors  and  privations  of  this 
missionary;  and  again  understand  how 
the  devotion  to  Mary  has  spread  over 
North  America. 

During  long  missionary  excursions,  fre- 
quently his  bed  was  the  bane  floor,  his 
pillow  the  saddle,  and  the  coarsest  and 
most  forbidding  fare  constituted  his  re- 
past. Add  to  this,  that  he  was  always  in 
feeble  health,  always  infirm  and  delicate 
in  the  extreme,  and  it  was  ever  a  matter 
of  wonder  to  others  how  the  little  he  ate 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


147 


could  support  nature  and  hold  to- 
gether so  fragile  a  frame  as  his.  A  verit- 
able imitator  of  Paul,  "he  was  in  labor 
and  painfulness,  in  watching  often,  in 
hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastingoften,  in  cold 
and  nakedness." 

When  he  first  began  to  reside  perma- 
nently on  this  mountain,  in  1799, he  found 
not  more  thanadozen  Catholics, scattered 
here  and  there  through  a  trackless  forest. 
He  first  settled  on  a  farm  generously  left 
by  the  Maguire  family  for  the  mainten- 
ance of  a  priest.  A  rude  log-church,  of 
some  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet,  was  suf- 
ficient for  a  considerable  time  for  ihe  first 
little  flock  that  worshipped  accordina  to 
the  faith  of  their  fatlierson  the  Alleghany. 
He  commenced  his  colony  with  twelve 
heads  of  families;  he  left  behind  him 
when  he  died  six  thousand  devotees  of 
Mary. 

But  the  population  grew  rapidly,  allur- 
ed by  the  saintly  reputation  of  Father 
Smith.  It  was  he  who  purchased  enor- 
mous tracts  of  land,  who  built  the  grist 
and  saw  mill,  he  who  found  himself  op- 
pressed by  debt  in  his  old  age.  Of  course 
he  expected  his  lather's  inheritance,  and 
when  that  prince  died  in  1803,  he  was 
pressed  to  quit  his  beloved  Loretto  and  go 
to  claim  his  rights  in  Russia.  His  mother 
and  friends  urged  him  to  come;  his  pre- 
late was  on  the  point  of  commanding  him; 
but  when  he  met  Bishop  Carroll,  he  gave 
reasons  for  remaining  among  his  flock 
which  that  prelate  could  not  in  the  end 
refute.  He  stated  that  he  had  caused  a 
great  number  of  Catholic  families  to  settle 
in  a  wild  and  uncultivated  region,  where 
they  formed  a  parish  of  a  considerable 
size;  that  the  Legislature  had  proposed  to 
establish  there  a  county-seat ;  and  that 
numbers  still  continued  to  flock  thither. 
The  bishop  at  length  fully  acquiesced  in 
his  remaining,  as  he  could  not  send  an- 
other in  his  place.  The  apostolic  mission- 
aiy  then  wrote  to  his  mother,  that  what- 
ever he  might  gain  by  the  voyage,  in  a 
temporal  point  of  view,  could  not,  in  his  es- 
timation, be  compared  with  the  loss  of  a 
single  soul,  that  might  be  occasioned  by 
his  absence. 

Had  he  gone,  it  would  have  been  in 
vain,  for  the  Emperor  and  Senate  of  St. 
Petersburg  settled  the  question  by  disin- 
heriting him  for  "having  embraced  the 
Catholic  faith  and  clerical  profession." — 
Nevertheless,  he  hoped  to  share  with  his 
sister,  who  had  inherited  all.  \nd  she 
did  supply  him,  until  the  ruined  German 
Prince  de  Solm,  whom  she  had  married, 
made  away  her  fortune  as  he  had  done 
with  his  own,  Then  came  his  days  of 
debt,  dreariest  of  all  days  to  men.  But  he 
lived  so  that  none  should  suffer  but  him- 
self. He  neither  ate  nor  drank  nor  was 
clothed  at  the  expense  or  loss  of  any  cred- 
itor or  others.  His  fare  was  often  but 
some  black  bread  and  a  few  vegetables ; 
coffee  and  tea  were  unknown  luxuries  in 
those  limes.  Hisclothing  was  home-made 
and  of  the  most  homely  description;  his 
mansion  was  a  miserable  log-hut.  not  de- 
nied even  to  the  poorest  of  the  poor.— 
With  the  prodigal  son  of  the  Gospel,  but 
in  a  most  meritorious  and  heroic  sense,  he 
could  say:  "How  many  hired  servants  in 
my  father's  house  have  plenty  of  bread, 
and  I  Here  perish  with  hunger  !" 

"Being  now,"  he  says,  "in  my  sixty- 
seventh  year,  burdened,  moreover,  with 
ihe  remnant  of  mv  debts,  reduced  from 
$18,000  to  about  $2,500,  I  had   better  spend 


my  few  remaining  years,  if  any,  in  trying 
to  paj'  off  that  balance,  and  in  preparing 
for  a  longer journey." 

On  that  Loretto  of  his  love  he  expended, 
from  the  wreck  of  his  fortune,  $150,000.— 
So  is  it  with  the  servitors  of  Mary.  Three 
centuries  ago,  tney  gave  their  bodies  to  be 
burned,  their  heads  to  the  scalping-knife, 
their  flngei-joints  to  the  teeth  of  the  Iro- 
quois; later,  they  gave  their  lives  and 
fortunes,  counting  them  as  nothing  if  so 
they  might  win  souls  to  Christ. 

Let  his  frienu  and  biographer  tell  the 
secret  of  all  this,  and  thus  show  what  a 
Muscovite  prince  can  have  in  common 
with  this  book  : 

"Ashe  had  taken  for  his  models  the 
Lives  of  the  Saints,  the  Francis  of  Sales, 
the  Charles  Borromeos,  the  Vincents  of 
Paul,  so  like  them  he  was  distinguished 
for  his  tender  and  lively  devotion  to  the 
Blessed  Virgin;  and  he  lost  noopportuni- 
ty  of  extolling  the  virtues  of  Mary.  He 
endeavored  to  he  an  imitator  of  her  as  she 
was  of  Christ.  He  recited  her  rosary  every 
evening  aiuony  his  Itousehold.  and  inculca- 
ted constantly  on  his  people  this  grand 
devotion,  and  the  other  pious  exercises  in 
honor  of  Mary.  The  church  in  which  he 
said  daily  Mass,  he  had  dedicated  under 
tlie  invocation  of  this  ever  glorious  Vir- 
gin, whom  all  nations  call  blessed.  It  was 
in  honor  of  Mai y  ,  and  to  place  his  people 
under  her  peculiar  patronage,  that  he  gave 
the  name  of  Loretto  to  the  town  he  found- 
ed here, after  the  far-famed  Loretto, which, 
towering  above  the  blue  wave  of  the  Ad- 
riatic, on  the  Italian  coast,  exhibits  to  the 
Christian  pilgrim  the  hallowed  and  mag- 
nirtcenttemple  which  contains  the  sainted 
shrine  of  Mary's  humble  house  inwhich  she 
at  Nazareth  heard  announced,  the  mystery  of 
the  Incarnation,  and  which  the  mariners, 
as  they  pass  to  encounter  the  perils  of  the 
deep, or  return  in  safety  from  them, salute, 
chanting  the  joyous  hymn,  Ave  Maris 
Stella!  For,  like  St.  John,  he  recognized 
in  her  a  mother  recommended  to  him  by 
the  words  of  the  dying  Jesus:  "  He  said  to 
the  disciple,  behold  thy  mother!"  And 
so,  when  the  frame  was  worn  out  in  her 
service  and  her  Son's,  he  went  up  to  see 
her  face  on  high. 


JAS.  PELLENTZ,  S.  J. 

Of  this  worthy  missionary  priest, 
we  have  little  more  to  add,  except  the 
record  of  his  death.  He  began  pre- 
parations for  the  building  of  the 
Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  at  Cone- 
wago  in  1785,  and  completed  the 
walls  and  roof  in  1787  ;  Fathers  De 
Barth  and  Lekeu  had  pews  put  in, 
stone  steps  erected  infiont,  procured 
bell  and  large  organ  ;  cupola  put  up, 
and  made  other  improvements. — 
Father  Steinbacher  had  the  interior 
painted.  Father  Enders  built  school 
houses,  put  up  iron  fence,  made  cru- 
ciform addition,  with  paintings, 
erected  steeple  and  marble  altar,  and 
made  great  improvements  on  all  the 
Chapel    property.      Father  Pellentz 


148 


CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 


also  built  the  house  adjoining,  and 
the  old  farm  buildings,  besides  sev- 
eral smaller  log  houses  along  the  hill 
that  have  long  since  disappeared.— 
His  name  is  spelled  "  Pellentz,"  but 
wherever  found  on  the  old  writings 
it  is  "Pellantz,"  doubtless  from  the 
German.  He  is  buried  under  the 
church  which  he  built,  but  all  trace 
of  his  grave  is  lost.  The  nearest  that 
can  be  ascertained  is  towards  the 
south  wing,  and  there  is  no  telling 
but  what  his  remains  have  been  dis- 
tuibed  by  the  construction  of  foun- 
dations and  the  diguing  of  a  gang- 
way towards  the  front  of  the  church 
to  put  in  the  furnace  and  heaters. — 
The  record  of  his  death  is  in  Latin,  as 
are  all  the  early  records  and  may  be 
thus  rendered  :  On  the  13th  of 
March,  of  the  year  1800.  at  half-past 
seven  A.  M.,  died  James  Pellentz.  and 

was  buried  on  the  15th.  He  dies  in  peace,  by  the  grace  of  Him  who  by  his 
death  regenerated  him.  Not  death,  but  lite,  rather  should  itbe  called.  The 
name  of  Pellentz  has  many  claims  to  consideration.  A  stranger  in  a  foreign 
land,  he  erected  this  house  and  church,  and  with  zeal  and  devotion  lie  made 
it  the  object  of  his  life  to  gather  men  within  the  fold  of  the  Church. 


CHURCH  OF  THE   SACRED   HEART. 

Taken  without  the  steeple,  so  as  to  look  like  the  old  church  before  improv- 
ed. At  first  it  had  a  small  wooden  cross  on  the  front  neak  of  the  roof.  Near  the  top  of 
the  front  wall  is  a  stone  with  the  names  17K7  cut  in.  Below  a  circular  scroll  work  with 
the  letters  I.  S.  H.,  is  a  heart  cut  in  stone  or  marble. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  149 

JAMES  FRAMBACH,  S.  J. 


This  was  the  companion  of  Father  Pellentz.  His  name  is  spelled 
"  Frombach  "  and  Frambach  ;  the  first  probably  correct;  the  last  most  gen- 
erally used.  The  extent  of  his  missionary  labors  caunot  be  comprehended. 
His  death  record  is  entered  at  Conewago.  probably  because  he  labored  there 
so  long,  or  it  may  be  that  the  priest  who  ministered  at  his  death  was  either  a 
Conewago  priest  at  the  time  or  afterwards,  as  few  of  the  entries  were  made 
at  the  time  of  death,  but  seem  to  have  been  entered  or  copied  very  irregularly 
in  every  way.  We  infer  that  the  priests  on  the  missions  before  1800  kept 
their  records  something  like  memoranda  just  as  they  went,  and  these  were 
brought  together  later,  some  at  Conewago  and  some  elsewhere  perhaps,  and 
entered  by  other  hands.  He  died  at  St.  Inigoes,  Md..  and  if  we  are  correctly 
informed,  nothing  marks  the  place.  The  record  reads  :  On  the  27th  of  Aug., 
1795,  died  Father  James  Frombach,  professed  Of  the  Society,  at  the  age  of 
73.  He  lived  here  for  ten  j^ears,  a  year  and  a  half  at  Lancaster,  and  later  at 
Frederick.  He  came  to  America  in  1758,  from  the  Province  of  Lower  Ger- 
many, with  Father  Pellentz  and  two  other  Jesuits.  He  traveled  the  country, 
strengthening  tepid  christians  ;  and  was  a  source  of  edification  to  all  by  his 
devotion,  zeal,  meekness,  obedience,  modesty  and  patience.  He  suffered 
for  years  from  ulcerations  of  the  legs  and  arms,  and  finally,  full  of  merits, 
he  died  of  a  contagious  fever,  in  St.  Mary's  County,  strengthened  with  all 
the  rites  of  the  Church. 

Father  Finotti  says,  that  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  Catholic  books  in  the 
early  days  of  this  country,  he  copied  the  whole  of  the  Roman  Missal,  preserv- 
ed, he  thinks,  in  Georgetown  College.  The  same  is  said  of  Theodore  Schnei- 
der, S.  J.,  the  first  priest  of  Goshenhonpen. 

Some  descendants  of  the  Baxters,  (who  lived  somewhere  between 
Hagerstown  and  Frederick  in  early  times,  and  which  was  a  stopping  place  on 
Father  Frambach 's  travels.)  now  belong  to  Father  Manley's  mission  at  Hag- 
erstown. They  relate  as  a  tradition  from  their  grandmother,  that  Father  F. 
traveled  on  horseback  and  stayed  all  night  at  their  house.  After  it  had  been 
noticed  for  a  longtime  that  his  clothes  were  very  poor,  they  made  a  suit  of 
homespun  and  laid  it  on  the  bed  in  his  room.  When  he  came  again  he  went 
to  his  room,  but  returned  immediately  to  the  kitchen,  and  said  that  some- 
body's clothes  were  on  his  bed.  Being  told  that  they  were  for  him,  he  ex- 
claimed, lt  A  new  suit  for  me  !  well,  then  I  must  go  and  try  it  on."  When 
he  came  down  again,  he  walked  up  and  down  the  kitchen  flocr,  vei'y  much 
overjoyed  that  he  had  better  clothes  to  wear.  This  shows  the  pious  humility 
and  humble  sincerity  of  that  truly  noble  missionary  priest. 


BISHOP  JOHN  TIMON. 


About  the  year  1790.  Edw.  Reily,  Sr.,  came  from  Ireland  and  settled  on 
a  tract  of  land  adjoining  the  estate  of  Samuel  Lilly.  It  was  close  by  the 
Conewago,  which  winds  through  the  valley  with  many  a  curve  and  crook. — 
At  that  time,  the  lands  along  the  creek  were  covered  with  heavy  timber. — 


150  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

remnants  of  the  old  forests  yet  remain.  The  great,  clumsy  wheels  of  an  old 
mill  creaked  in  the  quiet  stillness  of  the  night,  and  from  the  rippling  waters 
rose  a  heavy  mist  that  disappeared  over  the  tree  tops,  with  the  earliest  rays 
of  the  morning  sunlight.  It  must  have  been  a  wild  and  romantic  place.— 
Even  now,  the  broad  fields,  bordered  with  woodland  ;  the  sounds  of  a  dash- 
ing waterfall  that  drives  a  mill  near  by  ;  and  large  farm  buildings  scattered 
around,  form  a  scene  of  rural  beauty,  the  grandest  in  the  valley.  Just  over 
the  hill-tops,  about  a  mile  away,  rises  the  beautiful  spire  of  old  Conewago.— 
In  1796,  the  father  of  Bishop  Timon  came  from  Ireland  and  with  his  mother 
the  Bishop.  They  lived  in  a  log  house,  adjoining  the  residence  of  Edw. 
Reily,  probably  the  temporary  home  of  the  Reily  family  until  they  had  built 
themselves  a  house.  There  was  born  the  future  Bishop  of  Buffalo.  John  Ti- 
mon, Feb.  12th,  1797.  In  1802,  they  moved  to  Baltimore,  and  afterwards  to 
Missouri.  About  1830,  after  the  death  of  Bt  rney.  a  brother  of  Edw.  Reily, 
the  log  house  of  Bishop  Timon  was  moved  up  to  the  public  road  and  made  a 
home  for  the  widow,  Margaret  Reily.  grandmother  of  the  writer.  About  the 
earliest  recollection  we  have  is  of  the  old  log  house,  with  its  dark  looking 
cellar  and  crumbling  walls.  It  was  torn  down  about  1860,  and  the  logs  used 
in  building  an  old  stable  on  the  same  lot,  after  the  death  of  Daniel  Reily,  the 
property  of  Lewis  Will.  It  has  been  enlarged  since,  but  the  old  part  yet  re- 
mains. Father  Timon  was  ordained  priest  by  Bishop  Rosatti  in  1825.  He  be- 
came a  great  missionary  priest  in  Missouri,  Texas,  and  other  States.  Many 
touching  incidents  of  his  missionary  life  are  related.  He  was  an  able  man,  a 
good  speaker,  and  kind  and  generous  to  a  fault.  His  vocation  was  a  mission- 
ary life,  and  it  was  never  his  ambition  or  his  will  to  be  elevated  above  an 
humble  missionary  priest.  As  a  Bishop  he  had  trials,  troubles  and  tribula- 
tions, but  he  passed  through  them  all  with  that  spirit  of  right  and  duty  which 
governed  him  in  early  life.  He  was  consecrated  Bishop  in  1847  :  died  April 
16th,  1867  ;  and  was  buried  under  the  altar  of  the  Cathedral  in  Buffalo.  He 
visited  Conewago  once  or  twice  during  his  life. — once  about  the  year  1856, 
when  the  name  of  this  saintly  priest  and  noble  prelate  was  conferred  upon  us, 
to  bear  it,  the  most  unworthy.  The  life  of  Bishop  Timon  is  worthy  of  study 
and  of  imitation.     Conewago  is  blessed  in  having  given  him  birth. 

GEORGE  VILLIGER,  S.  J. 

No  priest  had  more  devoted  friends  on  the  Conewago  missions  than 
'•  Little  "  Father  Villiger.  His  disposition  was  so  gentle  and  amiable  that 
he  could  never  have  given  any  offense.  He  was  born  in  Switzerland,  Sept. 
14th,  1808,  and  died  at  Conewago,  Wednesday  morning,  Sept.  20th,  1882, 
and  was  buried  there  Friday  morning  following,  at  8  o'clock.  He  entered 
the  Society  Oct.  4th.  1838,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1843.  He  was  ordained 
at  Georgetown  by  Archbishop  Ecclestou.  July  22d,  1844,  and  sent  to  Cone- 
wago. The  Paradise,  Gettysburg,  Millerstown  and  the  Mountain  territory 
comprised  his  mission,  and  there  he  labored  faithfully  for  a  number  of  years. 
Wherever  a  few  Catholics  could  be  found, he  was  sure  to  hunt  them  up, instruct 
their  children  and  keep  the  faith  in  them  alive.  He  was  full  of  zeal  and 
energy  in  his  sacred  calling.  He  served  several  Maryland  missions,  and  was 
Superior  at  Bohemia  from   1862  until  1878.      Father  Villiger   was  a  good 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  151 

scholar,  and  always  ready  to  give  a  reason  for  the  faith  that  was  in  him. — 
His  "  Letters  to  a  Protestant  Minister  by  a  Catholic  Priest."  give  a  clear  ex- 
position of  the  doctrines  of  the  Catholic  religion.  After  the  death  of  Father 
Deneckere,  he  was  sent  to  Conewago  again,  and  attended  Littlestown  until 
his  death.  Age  and  years  of  active  labor  were  then  already  laying  a  heavy 
hand  upon  him,  but  like  a  true  Jesuit  warrior,  he  would  rather  die  at  his 
post  of  duty  than  surrender  God's  peace  be  with  him.  May  that  genera- 
tion with  whom  his  memory  is  most  dearly  cherished,  never  forget  to  breathe 
a  prayer  for  the  repose  of  the  soul  of  their  spiritual  father  in  days  gone  by, — 
he  who  taught  them  their  catechism,  prepared  them  for  the  Sacrameuts  of 
the  church,  which  he  administered  to  many. 


PETER  MAXNS,  S.  J. 

He  was  born  in  the  Diocese  of  Limbing,  Province  of  the  Rhine,  Germany, 
June  25th,  1810,  and  studied  there.  He  lived  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Cologne. 
Studied  twelve  years,  theology  and  philosphy  five  years.  Entered  the  So- 
ciety March  20th,  1853,  and  was  ordained  June  17th.  He  labored  in  Mary- 
land and  Massachusetts,  and  was  sent  to  Conewago  June  4th,  1862.  His 
health,  which  was  rated  "  middling  "  when  entering  the  Society,  has  been 
failing  for  a  number  of  years,  and  he  walks  with  perceptible  pain  and  diffi. 
culty,  for  he  is  getting  old  in  years  as  well  as  in  the  labor  and  service  of  God. 
The  schools  were  his  especial  object  for  many  years.  In  matters  of  discip- 
line and  morality  he  is  unusually  strict;  and,  though  his  ideas  and  views 
are  not  in  harmony  with  the  progress  of  the  age,  no  one  hereafter  or  even  in 
this  world,  will  regret  having  followed  his  advice.  In  piety  and  humility 
he  is  worthy  of  imitation  ;  the  lives  of  the  saints  are  his  daily  spiritual  food, 
and  it  is  their  example  he  tries  to  follow.  If  he  has  faults,  they  are  not  of 
the  mind  or  heart  nor  intention.  He  expects  to  be  judged  by  his  conscience, 
and  scrupulously  follows  its  dictates.  If  he  has  suffered  much  for  it,  his 
reward  will  only  be  the  greater.  The  Society  has  learned  men  and  popular 
priests,  but  it  has  no  more  faithful  worker  than  Father  Manns.  His  spiritual 
children  are  numbered  by  the  thousand,  and  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that 
he  is  always  in  his  confessional.  A  scrap  of  a  report  to  his  Superiors,  for  the 
first  few  years  he  was  on  the  Conewago  missions,  carries  out  our  estimate  of 
his  labors  :  Confessions  at  Littlestown  1200,  at  Paradise  8306,  at  Conewago 
6200  ;  General  Confessions,  of  which  he  was  a  great  advocate,  309  ;  sermons 
282  :  Catechisms  434  ;  converts  9  :  Retreat  to  Sisters  1. 


F.  X.  DENECKERE,  S.  J. 


Father  Deneckere  left  all  to  follow  Christ.  He  was  of  a  distinguished 
family,  and  his  whole  appearance  and  carriage  were  in  keeping  with  his 
princely  blood,  but  he  labored  among  the  humble  and  lowly  with  the  same 
zeal  and  charity  as  though  he  were  the  poorest  of  them.  His  family,  with 
the  exception  of  one  brother,  were  all  religious.  Two  of  his  sisters  were 
nuns  of  Notre  Dame,  Paris  ;  and  a  brother,  who  died  young,  was  also  a 


152  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Jesuit.  Bishop  Guy  De  Neckere,  of  New  Orleans,  was  his  uncle.  They  were 
a  family  of  saints.  His  love  for  his  faith  we  have  already  seen  in  his  works. 
His  sermons  were  most  sublime,  and  his  perfect  style  of  oratory  inspired 
every  one  with  awe  and  devotion.  A  man  of  his  eloquence  and  ability  would 
never  have  been  sent  to  retirement  at  Conewago,  except  to  give  his  active 
mind  and  wonderful  energy  the  necessary  occupations  on  a  laborious  mission, 
that  best  assured  their  safety.  His  disposition  and  temperament  were  too 
excitable  to  come  in  contact  with  a  jarring  world.  Yet  he  was  the  kindest 
of  men,  the  truest  of  friends,  and  self-sacrificial  of  all  he  possessed,  dying  in 
the  very  performance  of  his  duty.  He  was  born  in  the  Diocese  of  Bruges, 
Flanders,  Feb.  2d,  1810;  and  died  at  Littlestown.  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  Wednes- 
day, Jan.  8th.  1879,  at  5  o'clock  P  M.  He  entered  the  Society  in  the  Diocese 
of  Ghent,  Sept.  16th,  1844,  and  after  his  ordination  was  sent  with  Father 
Enders  to  the  Maryland  missions. 

He  was  a  great  teacher  and  student  all  his  life  ;  he  was  a  good  French 
scholar,  and  his  favorite  authors  were  those  of  his  own  nationality.  He  sel- 
dom or  never  spoke  of  himself,  and  all  we  heard  from  him  of  his  own  life 
was  that  he  spent  his  vacations  at  school.  As  a  boy  he  was  fond  of  the  inno- 
cent amusements  of  youth,  and  when  a  teacher  in  his  old  age.  nothing  gave 
him  greater  pleasure  than  to  assist  in  making  the  pJay-time  of  the  scholars 
exciting  and  amusing,  always  planning  something  new  for  their  enjoyment. 
He  was  exceedingly  strict  and  systematic  in  all  things.  Nothing  was  too 
laborious  for  him,  if  it  added  to  the  greater  honor  and  glory  of  God  and  the 
salvation  of  souls,  or  aided  in  making  the  ceremonies  of  the  church  or  its  re- 
ligious devotions  still  more  grand  and  inspiring.  He  had  a  saintly  devotion 
to  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  her  rosary  was  his  constant  companion.  He  had  a 
great  ayersion  to  criminals,  and  would  not  remain  at  the  church  during  the 
burial  of  any  who  had  taken  their  own  life,  or  those  who  died  refusing  to  be 
reconciled  to  their  God.  His  solicitude  for  the  conversion  of  sinners  was 
unbounded.  He  was  called  from  the  school-room  one  clay  to  attend  a  dying 
man  who  for  years  had  neglected  his  duties  ;  but  all  efforts  to  reclaim  him 
had  been  fruitless.  He  left  the  man,  ordering  that  he  should  be  sent  for  at 
once  if  he  showed  signs  of  returning  grace.  He  came  back  to  the  school- 
room, leaving  his  horse  in  waiting,  and  with  his  scholars  he  went  up  to  the 
church  before  St.  Francis  Xavier's  altar,  (his  favorite  place.)  to  pray.  A  lit- 
tle after  noon,  word  reached  him  that  the  dying  man  had  relented  and  sent 
for  him.  Had  he  been  a  boy  of  sixteen  years  instead  of  an  aged  man,  he 
could  not  have  reached  his  carriage  any  quicker,  and  as  we  watched  him 
going  out  the  road  it  seemed  every  minute  as  if  his  carriage  must  be  dashed 
to  pieces  at  the  rate  he  was  driving.  The  object  of  his  prayers  and  solicitude 
for  years,  was  reconciled  to  the  church  ;  and  the  joy  and  happiness  it  gave 
him  could  not  be  concealed  the  remainder  of  that  day.  Father  Deneckere 
practiced  the  confidence  in  that  supplication  in  prayer  which  he  taught  by 
word  of  mouth.  His  first  recourse  in  all  things  was  to  prayer.  For  years, 
the  Processions  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  on  Corpus  Christi  were  the  dearest 
objects  of  his  devotion.  No  time  or  labor  was  spared  to  make  them  grand 
and  inspiring,  and  great  was  his  sorrow  and  regret  if  anything  interfered 
with  their  success.  One  year,  Corpus  Christi  morning  dawned  with  many 
indications  of  showers,  as  characteristic  of  spring  days  as  snow-storms  are 
of  fall  weather.     Everything  was  in  readiness  for  the  Procession  to  start, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  153 

and  thousands  of  people  were  waiting,  yet  the  black  clouds  overhanging 
were  too  threatening  to  venture  out  with  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  Father 
Deneckere  had  been  watching  the  weather  intently,  and  after  a  time  his  ab- 
sence was  noticed.  Those  in  charge  sought  him  everywhere,  and  at  last 
went  to  his  room  where  they  found  him  deeply  engaged  in  prayer.  Soon 
after  the  clouds  parted,  the  sun  shone  forth,  and  the  Procession  went  on  in 
its  usual  splendor  to  a  happy  ending.  Though  the  skeptic  mock  his  inten- 
tions, he  must  admire  his  faith.  Many  feared  him  for  the  moment,  but 
memory  has  nothing  but  love  and  respect  for  him  now.  Noble  priest,  dear 
Father !  But  for  thee  we  would  never  have  had  a  taste  of  that  Pierian  Spring 
of  which  thou  didst  drink  so  deeply  ;  and  better  not,  perhaps,  for  regret  is 
the  more  poignant  over  wasted  opportunities  ;  over  what  might  be  and  is  not, 
or  could  be  and  cannot.  Still  far  from  us  be  ingratitude.  The  happiest  days 
of  our  life,  and  the  saddest,  are  those  filled  with  the  memory  of  this  saintly 
teacher  s  virtues.     R.  I.  P. 

Nearly  all  of  the  older  priests  at  Conewago  were  born  beyond  the  seas  ; 
of  their  native  homes  and  childhood  days,  whether  in  some  quiet  mountain 
place,  by  lake  or  river,  or  quaint  historic  town,  little  is  known,  for  their  lips 
were  ever  sealed  by  the  virtues  they  practiced.  Many  a  time,  perhaps, 
cherished  memories  came  over  them  that  swayed  every  generous  impulse  of 
the  heart,  like  the  soft  south-wiud  that  brings  new  life  to  the  fields  in  spring- 
time, but  they  died  away  again  as  the  distant  peal  of  thunder,  leaving  no 
trace  of  the  mighty  forces  disturbed.  About  1870.  two  small  boys,  sons  of 
Gen.  Ewing,  who  represented  this  government  in  some  capacity  in  France, 
spent  a  few  days  at  Conewagj.  Father  Deneckere,  in  company  with  a  few 
of  his  school  boys,  took  them  down  to  seethe  Blue  Spring  one  beautiful  after- 
noon in  October.  He  asked  them  many  questions  in  French  of  what  they 
had  seen  and  heard  in  Paris,  which  they  simply  answered  in  the  affirmative 
or  negative,  for  their  youthful  minds  were  captivated  with  the  attractions 
around  them,  and  they  ran  now  here,  now  there,  climbing  a  tree  or  search- 
ing for  something  to  throw  in  the  water  ;  the  venerable  priest's  thoughts 
must  have  been  carried  back  many,  many  years  ago,  to  scenes  remembered 
in  his  own  dear  Belgium  for  tears  stole  down  from  his  bright,  flashing  eyes, 
and  he  turned  away  from  their  joyful  capers  to  hide  his  own  sad  emotions. 

With  scrupulous  correctness  Father  Deneckere  regarded  all  holy  things, 
and  paid  the  highest  reverence  and  veneration  to  the  sacredness  of  religion 
in  the  performance  of  all  the  ceremonies  of  the  Church.  It  was  nothing 
unusual  to  find  him  in  the  church  before  the  Blessed  Sacrament  at  night 
when  about  to  retire,  and  regularly  at  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  at  the  altar 
saying  his  Mass.  Well  can  we  apply  to  him  the  words  of  the  great  Lamar- 
tine,  and  thus  show  the  exalted  thoughts  and  devotions  of  his  inmost  soul, 
for  we  have  no  language  at  our  command  to  picture  the  grandness  of  the  in- 
ner life  of  this  beloved  Father  and  pure  and  noble  priest  : 

"  Hail !  sacred  tahernacles,  where  thou,  O  Lord,  dost  descend  at  the  voice  of  a  mor- 
tal!  Hail,  mysterious  altar,  where  faith  comes  to  receive  its  immortal  food.  When 
the  last  hour  of  the  day  has  groaned  in  thy  solemn  towers;  when  its  last  beam  fades 
and  dies  away  in  the  dome  :  when  the  widow  holding  her  child  by  the  hand  has  wept 
on  the  pavement,  and  retraced  her  steps  like  a  silent  ghost;  when  the  sigh  of  the  dis- 
tant organ  seems  lulled  to  rest  with  tneday  to  awaken  again  with  the  morning;  when 
the  nave  is  deserted,  and  the  Levite  attentive  to  the  lamps  of  the  holy  place,  with  a 
slow  step  hardly  crosses  it  again— this  is  the  hour  when  I  come  to  glide  under  the  ob- 
scure vault,  and  to  seek,  while  nature  sleeps,  Him  who  aye  watches  !  Ye  columns,  who 
veil  the  sacred  asylums  where  my  eves  dare  not  penetrate,  at  the  feet  of  thy  immove- 
able trunks  I  come  to  sigh.    Cast  over  me  your  deep  shades,  render  the  darkness  more 


154  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

obscure,  and  the  silence  more  profound  !  Forests  of  porphyry  and  marble,  the  air 
which  the  soul  breathes  under  thy  arches  is  full  of  mystery  and  of  peace  !  Let  love  and 
anxious  cares  seek  shade  and  solitude  under  the  green  shelter  of  groves,  to  soothe 
their  secret  wounds!  O  darkness  of  the  sanctuary,  the  eye  of  religion  prefers  thee  to 
the  wood  which  the  breeze  disturbs.  Nothing  changes  thy  foliage,  thy  still  shade  is 
the  image  of  motionless  eternity!  Eternal  pillars,  where  are  the  hands  that  formed 
thee?  Quarries,  answer,  where  are  they?  Dust,  the  sport  of  winds,  our  hands  which 
carved  the  stone,  turn  to  dust  before  it,  and  man  is  not  jealous!  He  dies,  but  his  holy 
thought  animates  the  cold  stone,  and  rises  to  heaven  with  thee.  Forums,  palaces, 
crumble  to  ashes,  timecasts  them  away  with  scorn  ;  the  foot  of  the  traveller  wno  tram- 
ples upon  them  lays  bare  their  ruins;  but  as  soon  as  the  block  of  stone  leaves  the  side 
of  the  quarrv,  and  is  carved  for  Thy  temple,  O  Lord,  it  is  thine  ;  Thy  shadow  imprints 
upon  our  works  the  sublime  seal  of  Thine  own  immortality?  Lord,  I  used  to  love  to 
pour  out  mvsoul  upon  the  summit  of  mountains,  in  the  nightof  deserts,  beneath  rocks 
where  roared  the  voice  of  mighty  seas,  in  presence  of  heaven,  and  of  the  globes  of 


to  mount  but  thou  vouchsafest  to  descend  !  Thou  art  near  to  hear  us.  Now 
obscurity!  Inhabited  alone  by  Thee  and  by  death,  one  hears  from  afar  the  flood  of 
time  which  roars  upon  this  border  of  eternity  !  It  seems  as  if  our  voice,  which  only  is 
lost  in  the  air,  concentrated  in  these  walls  by  this  narrow  space,  resounds  better  to  our 
soul,  and  that  the  holy  echo  of  thy  sonorous  vault,  bears  along  with  it  the  sigh  which 
seeks  Thee  in  its  ascent  to  heaven,  more  fervent  before  it  can  evaporate.  How  can  it 
signify  in  what  words  the  soul  exhales  itself  before  its  author  ?  Is  there  a  tongue  equal 
to  the  ecstacy  of  the  heart?  Whatever  my  lips  may  articulate,  this  pressed  blood 
which  circulates,  this  bosom  which  breathes  in  Thee,  this  heart  which  beats  and  ex- 
pands, these  bathed  eyes,  this  silence.all  speak,  all  pray  in  me.  So  swell  the  waves  at 
the  rising  of  the  king  of  day,  so  revolve  the  stars,  mute  with  reverence  and  love,  and 
Thou  comprehendest  their  silent  hymn.  Ah,  Lord,  in  like  manner,  comprehend  me. 
Hear  what  I  pronounce  not;  Silence  is  the  highest  voice  of  a  heart  that  is  overpower- 
ed with  Thy  glory  !  " 

Or,    with   the  celebrated   Lavater,   on   finding   himself  in  a  Catholic 

Church,  exclaim  : 

"  He  doth  not  know  Thee,  O  Jesus  Christ,  who  dishonoreth  even  Thy  shadow?  I 
honor  all  things,  where  I  find  the  intention  of  honoring  Thee,  1  will  love  them  be- 
cause of  Thee.  1  will  love  them  provided  I  find  the  least  thing  which  makes  me  re- 
member Thee!  What  then  do  I  behold  here  ?  What  do  I  hear  in  this  place?  Does 
nothing  under  these  majestic  vaults  speak  to  me  of  Thee?  This  cross,  this  golden 
image,  is  it  not  made  for  Thy  honor  >  The  censer  which  waves  round  the  priest,  the 
gloria  sung  in  the  choirs,  the  peaceful  light  of  the  perpetual  lamp,  these  lighted 
tapers,—  all  is  done  for  Thee. 

Whv  is  the  Host  elevated.if  it  be  not  to  honor  Thee. O  Jesus  Christ, who  art  dead  for 
love  of  its?  because  it  is  no  more,  and  Thou  art  it,  the  believing  church  bends  the 
knee.  It  is  in  thy  house  alone  that  these  children,  early  instructed,  make  the  sign  of 
the  cross,  that  their  tongues  sing  thy  praise,  and  that  they  strike  their  breasts  thrice 
with  their  little  hands.  It  is  for  love  of  Thee,  O  Jesus  Christ,  that  one  kisses  the  spot 
which  bears  Thy  adorable  blood;  for  Thee,  the  child  who  serves,  sounds  the  little  bell 
and  does  all  that  he  does.  The  riches  collected  from  distant  countries,  the  magnifi- 
cence of  chasubles,  all  that  has  relation  to  Thee.  Why  are  the  walls  and  the  high  altar 
of  marble  clothed  with  verdant  taoestrv  on  the  day  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  ?  For 
whom  do  thev  make  a  road  of  flowers?  For  whom  are  these  banners  embroidered  ? 
When  the  Ave  Maria  sounds,  is  it  not  for  Thee  ?  Matins,  vespers,  prime,  and  nones, 
are  th<  y  not  consecrated  to  Thee?  These  bells  within  a  thousand  towers,  purchased 
with  the  gold  of  whole  cities,  do  they  not  bear  Thy  image  cast  in  the  very  mould  ?  Is 
it  not  for  Thee  that  they  send  forth  their  solemn  tone  ?  It  is  under  Thy  protection,  O 
Jesus  Christ,  that  every  man  places  himself  who  loves  solitude,  chastity,  and  pover- 
ty. Without  Thee,  the  orders  of  St.  Benedict  and  St.  Bernard  would  not  have  been 
founded.  The  cloister,  the  tonsure,  the  breviary,  and  the  chaplet,  render  test.mony 
of  Thee,  O  delightful  rapture,  Jesus  Christ,  for  Thy  disciples  to  trace  the  marks  ot  Thy 
finger  where  the  eyes  of  the  world  see  them  not !  O  joy  ineffable  for  souls  devoted  to 
Thee,  to  behold  in  caves,  and  on  rocks,  in  every  crucifix  placed  upon  hills,  and  on  the 
high-ways,  thy  seal  and  that  of  thy  love  !  Who  wilt  not  rejoice  in  the  honors  of  which 
Thou  art  the  object  and  the  soul  ?  Who  will  not  shed  tears  in  hearing  the  words,  'Jesus 
Christ  be  praised?'  O  the  hypocrite  who  knoweth  that  name  and  answereth  not  with  joy, 
amen.  Who  saith  not  with  an  intense  transport,  Jesus  be  blessed  for  eternity,  eterni- 
ty.       . 

J.  B.  EMIG,  S.  J. 

This  venerable  and  distinguished  Father  was  born  July  26th,  1808,  at 
Bensheime,  Grand  Duchy  of  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Diocese  of  Magunties.  He 
arrived  at  Baltimore  July  27th,  1832,  after  a  voyage  of  sixty-three  days.  He 
entered  the  Society  Sept.  24th,  1832,  at  White  Marsh,  Prince  George  County, 
Md.,  and  completed  his  studies  at  Frederick  ;  was  ordained  priest  March  12th, 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  155 

1839.  His  labors  have  been  very  great  and  useful,  and  as  a  missionary  priest 
he  is  unsurpassed,  his  sermons  being  all  deep  and  logical,  as  well  as  most 
impressive.  He  considers  that  he  was  miraculously  directed  to  Conewago  ; 
having  been  uncertain  of  his  whereabouts,  and  imagining  he  was  near  Mt. 
St.  Mary's.  For  several  years  he  taught  in  the  St.  Louis  University,  Louis- 
ville, and  other  western  places,  and  came  East  about  the  year  1852.  The 
greater  part  of  the  time  then  he  spent  at  Frederick,  preparing  young  men 
lor  the  priesthood,  and  also  doing  missionary  work  in  the  surrounding 
States.  He  was  sent  to  Hanover  in  1877,  and  has  now  completed  there  a 
magnificent  church,  costing  over  820,000,  all  paid  for.  At  present  he  is  rais- 
ing subscriptions  to  frescoe  the  church,  which  will  cost  about  $1400.  In 
Sept.,  1882,  he  celebrated  his  Golden  Jubilee  at  Hanover  with  a  High  Mass, 
and  received  many  marks  of  the  respect  and  esteem  in  which  he  is  hold  by 
the  congregation.  His  health  has  been  declining  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
he  is  a  great  sufferer  all  the  time,  but  bears  all  patiently  and  with  peifect 
resignation.  He  has  his  room  at  Mr.  S.  Althoffs,  where  he  boards,  but 
sleeps  in  the  sacristy  of  the  church.  We  hope  he  will  be  spared  yet  many 
years. 

J.  B.  COTTING,  S.  J. 


We  have  no  dates  in  the  religious  life  of  Father  Cotting.  He  was  born 
about  the  same  year  Father  Enders  was  ;  they  studied  and  were  at  the 
Novitiate  together.  He  was  a  native  of  Switzerland,  and  came  to  America 
about  the  year  1845.  He  was  a  faithful  laborer  on  the  Conewago  missions. 
Father  Cotting  was  an  active  missionary,  and  was  noted  for  his  many  jokes 
and  great  sprightliness,  but  his  influence  was  unbounded.  At  one  time 
when  in  St.  Louis,  he  was  trying  to  get  his  German  congregation  to  buy  a 
graveyard,  but  they  did  not  seem  inclined  to  furnish  the  money.  You  will 
not  purchase  a  grave  yard,  said  he  ;  but  remember  what  I  tell  you  :  When 
the  day  of  Judgment  comes  you  will  be  buried  among  the  Yankees  and  the 
Irish.  You  know  their  tricks.  They  will  jump  up  and  steal  your  bones, 
and  you  will  have  none  with  which  to  appear  at  judgment.  This  argument 
was  so  convincing  that  the3r  gave  in  immediately,  and  the  purchase  was 
made. 

About  the  time  he  attended  the  York  Congregation,  the  Hanover  Junc- 
tion Railroad  was  made,  and  anyone  who  traveled  that  road  will  remember 
the  long  waiting  at  the  Junction.  Father  Cotting  used  to  say  that  he  could 
go  to  York  with  his  horse  quicker  than  the  cars  could  go,  and  he  really  did 
succeed  on  one  occasion  in  getting  ahead  of  them.  The  Irish  laborers  were 
devoted  to  him,  and  presented  him  with  a  fine  carriage. 

He  labored  several  years  at  Conewago.  and  after  that  in  Prince  George 
Co.,  Md..  and  is  still  stationed  in  that  State.  His  life,  like  those  of  his  com- 
panions living  and  dead,  is  filled  with  good  deeds,  and  usefulness  in  the  So- 
ciety. His  labors  everywhere  were  crowned  with  success.  The  old  people 
at  Conewago  and  Paradise,  recall  with  great  pleasure  their  recollections  of 
the  days  of  dear  Father  Cotting. 

At  one  time  when  he  was  attending  the  South  Mountain  Church,  a  Ger- 
man complained  to  him  that  he  never  gave  them  German  sermons.     Come  to 


156  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

my  room,  said  he.  The  man  went,  and  locking  the  door,  Father  Cotting 
made  him  sit  down  and  preached  to  him  over  an  hour  in  German.  Now, 
said  he,  never  complain  any  more  about  my  sermons.  He  was  stationed  for 
a  number  of  years  in  the  lower  counties  of  Maryland.  He  was  riding  out 
one  day  and  passed  the  house  of  a  Protestant  minister,  who  was  feeding  his 
hogs.  "  Why,  Father  Cotting,"  said  the  minister,  "  you  seem  to  have  a  great 
deal  of  time  to  ride  about  ;  how  does  it  happen  ?"  "  Oh  I"  said  Father  Cot- 
ting, "  you  see,  your  reverence,  I  haye  no  children  to  support  aud  no  hogs  to 
feed."  He  was  always  traveling  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  God  crowned 
his  labors  with  great  success. 


JOSEPH  ENDERS,  S.  J. 

Rev.  Joseph  Enders.  S.  J.,  died  at  the  Novitiate.  Frederick,  Md.,  Sept. 
10th,  1884,  and  was  buried  there  Sept.  12th  ;  aged  77  years,  9  months  and  23 
days. 

What  does  this  simple  notice  not  contain  ?  A  life-time  of  years  spent  in 
the  practice  of  every  Christian  virtue,  and  a  life  so  full  of  good  and  exem- 
plary works  that  it  seems  a  pity  to  bury  it  in  the  humble  and  scanty  records 
of  so  great  a  Society  as  that  of  Jesus,  in  which  there  is  little  individuality  in 
life  and  less  in  death.  It  knows  when  a  member  entered  the  Society  and 
when  he  departed  this  life,  outside  of  that  it  is  as  silent  as  the  grave.  Its 
members  have  their  being  together  in  life  aud  share  each  other's  merits  in 
death  ;  the  highest  is  the  lowest  and  the  lowest  is  the  highest — Jesuits. — 
Since  they  are  so  humble  as  to  forget  self  and  live  for  others,  how  dare  we 
of  the  world  disregard  their  wishes  and  their  humility,  and  speak  of  what 
they  live  to  forget — themselves.  But  we  are  to  remember  our  prelates  who 
have  spoken  to  us  the  word  of  God,  considering  well  the  end  of  their  conver- 
sation and  imitating  their  faith  ;  and  how  can  we  do  this  better  than  by  re- 
moving the  veil  of  humility  which  in  life  hid  their  greatest  virtues  from  the 
sight  of  men,  that  seeing  and  admiring  the  good  they  have  done  we  may  be 
moved  to  overcome  our  wordly  attachment  and  draw  closer  to  those  heaven- 
ly desires  which  the  inspired  Word  tells  us  are  most  necessary  to  the  end  for 
which  we  were  created. 

Father  Enders  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  Nov.  17th.  1806.  His  par- 
ents were  farmers,  and  pious  people  who  taught  him  from  the  cradle  the 
practice  of  his  holy  religion.  At  an  early  age  he  expressed  his  desire  to  be- 
come a  priest,  and  his  father  took  him  to  the  nearest  town  to  begin  his  stud- 
ies. At  the  age  of  twenty-five  he  was  ordained  a  secular  priest  in  the  diocese 
of  Munich.  Later  he  felt  drawn  to  the  Society  of  Jesus,  and  entered  that 
order  in  a  novitate  of  Switzerland,  Sept.  28th,  1836.  He  came  to  this  coun- 
try soon  after,  and  was  sent  to  Conewago.  Adams  County,  Pa.,  of  which 
community  he  became  Superior  in  1847.  From  1862  to  1869,  he  was  Superior 
at  Leonardtown,  St.  Mary's  County,  Md.  He  was  returned  to  Conewago  in 
1871  as  Superior.  July  1st,  1884,  Father  P.  Forhan  took  his  place.  He  was 
then  getting  old  and  feeble  and  suffering  from  a  painful  ulcer  at  his  leg. — 
Though  the  body  was  weak  the  will  was  strong,  and  he  took  the  change  very 
hard, — complaining  that  now  he  was  no  longer  of  any  use.  He  continued  to 
say  Mass  and  very  often  forgot  that  he  was  no  longer  Superior.     In  the  win- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY,  157 

ter  of  1884,  he  was  removed  to  Frederick  where  his  declining  days  could  be 
made  more  easy.  Saturday,  Aug.  16th,  1884,  the  writer  visited  him  there. 
He  seemed  in  good  health  and  spirits,  having  said  his  Mass  that  morning. — 
He  asked  all  about  Conewago,  expressed  a  desire  to  see  it  once  more,  but 
thought  the  end  was  near,  for  which  he  was  ready  and  waiting. 

Father  Enders,  with  Fathers  Emig  and  Cotting  still  living,  was  the  last 
of  the  missionary  priests  who  labored  at  Conewago.  Fathers  Greaton,  Wap- 
peler.  Manners,  Frambach,  Pellentz,  and  others,  were  the  pioneer  mission- 
aries of  Southern  Pennsylvania.  They  began  the  settlement  and  put  up  the 
primitive  churches.  Fathers  De  Barth,  Lekeu  and  others,  followed  from 
1800,  and  kept  the  growing  Church  together  ;  they  began  the  improvements 
demanded  by  a  growing  age.  Fathers  Enders  and  Deneckere  came  before 
1850,  and  attended  the  missions  that  are  now  surrounded  by  populous  towns 
and  have  resident  pastors.  We  have  already  seen  how  much  Conewago  is 
indebted  to  the  labors  of  Father  Eaders.  For  fifty  years  he  lived  only  for 
those  in  his  charge.  Year  in  and  year  out  with  him  was  a  continual  round 
of  works  of  mercy  and  charity.  Day  or  night,  rain  or  shine,  sick  or  well, 
DUTY  was  to  him  an  imperative  command.  Rest  he  never  knew,  and  never 
thought  of  his  own  wants.  All  were  his  friends,  and  he  was  a  friend  to 
everyone.  Kind,  humble,  patient,  warm-hearted,  hospitable  and  hard- 
working.— in  life  and  in  death  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 


REV.  ADOLPHUS  LEWIS  DE  BARTH  (Walbach)  was  at  Conewago  off 
and  on  from  1800  to  1828.  He  became  manager  of  the  estate  in  1811,  for 
those  who  held  the  title  on  the  part  of  the  Society,  and  was  at  that  time  a 
resident  of  Adams  County,  according  to  the  Letter  of  Attorney  from  Rev. 
Francis  Neale.  on  file  in  the  Recorder's  office  of  said  county.  Father  De  B. 
was  the  son  of  Count  De  Barth  and  Maria  Louisa  de  Rohme  ;  born  at  Muns- 
ter,  Upper  Rhine,  Nov.  1st,  1764  :  ordained  atStrasburg  in  1790  ;  driven  from 
France  by  the  Revolution,  he  came  with  his  father  to  America  ;  assigned  to 
missionary  duty  by  Bishop  Carroll,  he  labored  at  Bohemia  Manor,  Lancas- 
ter, and  Conewago  ;  was  Vicar  General  to  Bishop  Egan,  and  after  his  death 
Administrator  of  tlie  Diocese,  and  himself  twice  declined  the  Bishopric. — 
He  was  the  brother  jf  Col.  John  De  Barth  Walbach,  IT.  S.  A.  Father  De  B. 
is  remembered  by  some  of  the  old  citizens  of  Conewago,  as  a  very  earnest, 
faithful  priest,  and  a  cultured  man.  He  was  very  severe  and  strict.  Many 
little  incidents  are  related  of  him,  by  which  he  is  remembered.  Some 
friends  at  Littlestown  once  gave  a  dinner  to  the  Fathers,  to  which  the  young 
gentry  of  Conewago  were  invited.  The  learned  Father  White,  then  a  stu- 
dent, was  spending  some  time  at  Conewago  for  the  benefit  of  his  health. — 
He  joined  the  company.  When  Father  De  Barth  saw  the  young  student  and 
Miss  Sallie  Lilly  coming  riding  together,  he  was  very  much  displeased,  and 
after  dinner  they  ordered  their  horses  and  returned  to  the  Chapel.  After 
that  he  would  not  allow  him  to  ride  out  with  youna  ladies.  In  former 
times  the  Fathers  frequently  dined  out,  but  seldom  within  our  recollection. 

The  names  of  two  distinguished  priests  are  met  with  at  Conewago,  who 
deserve  a  short  notice,  for  few  are  acquainted  with  their  history  ;  they  are. 
Rev.  Virgil  Barber,  in  1836.  and  Father  Samuel  Barber,  about  1845.  Daniel 
Barber,  a  Congregationalist  minister  in  New  England,  became  a  Catholic  in 


158  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

1816.  Virgil  Barber,  his  son,  also  a  Protestant  minister,  entered  the  Church 
with  his  father.  He  was  born  May  9th,  1782  ;  went  to  Rome  in  1817,  was 
ordained  there,  labored  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  became  Professor 
of  Hebrew  in  Georgetown  College,  where  he  died  March  27th,  1847.  Mrs. 
Virgil  Barber  and  their  four  daughters  became  Sisters,  and  the  son,  Samuel, 
joined  the  Society  of  Jesus. 

REV.  JOSEPH  HERONT  was  born  in  Lyons,  France,  Nov.  2d,  1755.  He 
came  to  America  in  1794,  and  purchased  "  Herontford,"  near  Pigeon  Hills, 
afterwards  the '"  Seminary  Farm."  Aug.  1st,  1812,  he  was  ordained,  and 
admitted  to  the  Order  of  St.  Sulpice  :  he  was  for  a  short  time  occupied  on 
the  missions  of  lower  Maryland  ;  was  Treasurer  of  St.  Mary's  College,  Bal- 
timore ;  and  in  Nov.,  1817,  went  to  the  Island  of  Martinique,  where  he  died 
April  8th,  1818.  He  was  not  related  to  Rev.  John  Tessier,  President  of  St. 
Mary's,  but  bequeathed  the  farm  to  him  as  Superior  when  he  prepared  to 
enter  that  Order.  Rev.  Louis  Regis  Deluol,  connected  with  the  •'Seminary 
Farm  "  as  President  of  St.  Mary's,  was  a  priest  in  France  several  years  be- 
fore he  came  to  this  country.  He  returned  to  Fiance  near  about  1850.  and 
died  in  Paris,  Oct.  15th,  1858. 

Father  Matthias  Manners,  (Sittensberger,)  the  first  resident  pastor  at 
Conewago,  about  1750,  was  born  Sept.  29th,  1719.  in  the  Diocese  of  Augs- 
burg, Germany  ;  labored  in  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  :  died  at  Bohemia. 
June  17th,  1775. 

Father  Bernard  Diderick,  from  Belgium,  a  Walloon,  is  referred  to  in 
Father  Lambing's  Researches.  He  was  at  Conewago  in  the  early  part  of 
Father  Pellentz's  pastorate,  and  we  have  alluded  to  him  as  Fr.  '*  Detrick." 

BARON  DE  BEELEN.— This  was  a  man  of  some  distinction  in  his  time, 
and  as  he  is  buried  at  Conewago,  we  give  a  short  sketch  "  When  Joseph 
II.  attempted  to  open  the  river  Scheldt,  he  designed  to  establish  commerce 
between  Belgium  and  the  United  States,  and  to  promote  this  end  he  sent  the 
Baron  de  Beelen  Bertholff  to  reside  in  Philadelphia,  not  as  an  accredited 
minister,  but  as  an  observer  and  correspondent."  When  the  Continental 
Congress  adjourned  its  sessions  to  York,  the  Baron  also  removed  there,  and 
made  that  his  home  pretty  much  until  his  death.  Local  tradition  says  he 
lived  there  in  great  style.  The  Conewago  Jesuits  were  well  acquainted  with 
the  family.  His  son.  Anthony,  lived  in  Pittsburg,  (see  Lambing).  He  had 
another  son  who  died  East,  and  a  death  record  at  Conewago  of  a  Francis 
Beelen  may  be  the  same.  Old  people  inform  us  that  he  married  a  daughter 
of  Wm.  Jenkins,  of  Abbottstown,  against  which  his  parents  were  much  op- 
posed. The  Fathers  assisted  the  widow  and  kept  trace  of  her.  She  lived  a 
while  in  Baltimore.  An  old  teamster  of  Father  De  Barth.  still  living,  says 
he  was  sent  to  see  her  by  that  Father.  The  Baron  and  his  wife  are  buried  at 
Conewago.  When  the  new  part  was  built  in  1850,  it  covered  their  graves, 
and  the  marble  slab  was  laid  in  the  floor,  in  the  aisle  near  the  Blessed  Vir- 
gin's altar.  It  reads  :  "  In  memory  of  Frederick  E.  F.  Brn.  de  Beelen  Ber- 
tholf ,  who  departed  this  life  the  5th  April,  1805,  aged  76  years.  Joanna  Ma- 
ria Thresia,  his  wife,  who  departed  this  life  the  11th  Sept.,  1804.  aged  72  yrs. 
May  they  rest  in  peace."  It  is  said  that  a  contagious  disease  prevailed  when 
the  Baron  died.  The  man  who  brought  his  bodj  from  York,  left  the  coffin 
standing  in  front  of  the  church  and  hurried  away.  There  it  stood  all  day. 
everyone  in  dread  of  the  disease.  Towards  evening  Father  De  Barth  sent 
over  to  the  Lilly  farm  for  help,  and  two  colored  men  came  and  assisted  him 
in  the  last  sad  duty  in  the  burial  of  the  ouce  distinguished  man. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  159 

THE  WINCHESTER  CHURCH. 


For  the  following  sketch  of  the  Winchester  Church,  we  are  indebted  to 
Father  O'Reilley  ;  and  to  Mr.  Wm.  McSherry,  Jr..  for  the  Gettysburg  Church 
history.  Both  were  received  too  late  for  insertion  among  the  other  churches. 

The  early  history  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Winchester  is  almost  entire- 
ly unknown.     Perhaps  the  only  certain  fact  about  it  is,  that  it  was  one  of  the 
oldest  churches  in  the  Valley.     From  an  old  gentleman,  John  Heist,  a  Pro- 
testant, it  has  been  learned  that  in  1794,  when  he  settled  in  Winchester,  the 
Catholic  Church  was  in  appearance  the  oldest  in   town,  and   public  opinion 
conceded  the  claim  of  its  antiquity.     Of  those  instrumental  in  its   building, 
little  is  known.     The  ground  was  given  by  Mr.  McGuire,  an  Irish  gentleman, 
the  ancestor  of  a  family  famous  in  Virginia  as  physicians  and  surgeons.    Its 
present  representatives  are  Dr.  Wm.  McGuire.  of  Winchester,  and  Dr..  Hun- 
ter McGuire.  of  Richmond.     The  latter  was  Stonewall  Jackson's  physician, 
and  the  Surgeon-General  of  the  Confederate  Army.     The  old  church,  a  stone 
building  of  moderate  dimensions,  was  almost  entirely  built  through  the  lib- 
erality of  a  wealthy  Frenchman.     Most  of  the  pioneer  Catholics  slumber  in 
nameless  graves  in  the  old  cemetery.     A  moss-clad  tomb  is  inscribed  to  the 
memory  of  a  daughter  of  John  Holker,  Esq.,  1794.  late  Consul-General  of 
France,  and  Agent  of  the  Royal  Marine.     This  may  have  been  the  wealthy 
Frenchman    to    whose   christian   liberality   tradition   ascribes  the  old  stone 
church.     The  first  priest  of  whom   tradition   speaks,   is  Father  Dubois,  who 
visited  this  place  from  Conewago,  Pa.,  about  1790.     After  him  came  Fathers 
Cahill  and  Whelan.  the  latter  the  first  priest  known  to  visit  Winchester  reg- 
ularly.    There  were  few  Catholics  here  in  the  early  part  of  this  century.    A 
marble  headstone  in  the  old  graveyard  reads,  lv  In  memory  of  Patrick  Den- 
ver, a  native  of  County  Down,  Ireland,   who  departed  this   life  March  31st, 
1831.  in  the  85th   year  of  his  age.'"'    This  is  the  grandfather  of  Gen.  James 
Denver,  prominently  mentioned  as  the  Democratic  candidate  for  President 
in  1884.     Denver,  Colorado,  and  more  than  a  score  of  other  cities  and  towns 
in  the  West  have  been   named  in  his  honor.     About  1840,  came  upon  the 
scene  the  grand  and  venerable  old  pillars  of  the  present  congregation,  who 
have  manfully  withstood  the  storms  and  shocks  of  most  half  a  century,  for 
its  s;  ke,  and  who  like  true  sons  of  St.  Patrick,  which  they  boast  to  be,  never 
wavered  in  the   faith— the  only  inheritance  they  brought  from  their  own 
Isle  of  Saints.     These  hoary  veterans   of  the  faith  are.  John  Fagan,  Michael 
Hasset,  M.  Lynch,  and  Denis  Sheehan.     Of  these,  John  Fagan  alone  lived  in 
town.     For  four  long  years  they  had  not  the  happiness  of  being  present  at 
the  Holy  Sacrifice      At  last,  in   1844,   their  dear  Saviour  had  compassion  on 
their  loneliness  and  sorrow,  and  sent  them  Rev.  John  O'Brien,  then  station- 
ed at  Harper's  Ferry,  who  visited  Winchester  once  in  three  months,  and  of- 
fered the  Holy  Sacrifice  for  the  half  dozen  Catholics  present.     It  was  not 
until  1847,  that  things  began  to  change  for  the  better.     In  that  year  turn- 
pikes were  being  built,  on  which  many  Irishmen  and  Catholics  worked.     A 
priest  from  Harper's  Ferry  now  came  regularly  once  a  month,  and  contin- 
ued to  do  so  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War  in  1861.     Fr.  O'Brien  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Father  Plunket.  a  most  popular  and  eloquent  priest,  whose  mem- 
ory is  still  honored  by  all  who  knew  him.  Protestant  and  Catholic  alike,  not 


160  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

only  here  but  throughout  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  After  him  came  Fathers 
Talty  and  Costello.  In  1861,  came  that  thrice  unhappy  event,  the  war.  The 
little  church  and  hopeful  congregation  at  Winchester  did  not  escape  its  rav- 
ages. They  were  scattered,  and  the  dear  little  church  they  loved  so  well 
was  left  in  ruins.  Among  the  most  fearless  of  Stonewall's  and  Mosby's  fol- 
lowers were  numbered  Winchester  Catholics.  The  dashing  bravery  of  a 
Russell  or  a  Reardon  is  to-day  a  password  in  the  Valley  After  the  war  they 
returned  to  find  no  temple  in  which  to  worship.  In  the  years  of  bloodjr 
strife  that  had  passed.  God  seemed  to  have  been  forgotten  and  his  temples 
to  have  lost  their  sacredness  for  men.  A  stable  was  made  of  the  sweet  little 
church  upon  the  Hill.  The  ruins  alone  were  left  after  the  storm  was  over. 
Undaunted,  however,  were  the  few  Catholics.  Their  own  Soggarth  Aroon 
still  visited  them  and  that  was  enough.  With  Michael  Hasset  and  his  good 
wife  they  well  knew  the  priest  and  his  people  would  always  find  a  Caed 
Mille  Failthe,  and  in  his  cosy  little  parlor  month  after  month  they  assembled 
for  divine  service.  Through  the  zeal  of  their  young  pastor,  Rev.  J.  J.  Kain, 
the  congregation  soon  grew  too  large  for  the  little  parlor  chapel,  and  larger 
rooms  were  provided.  A  future  church  was  contemplated  ;  plans  were  then 
made  for  raising  the  funds,  and  successfully  carried  out  through  the  great 
efforts  of  Father  Kain,  ably  assisted  by  Mrs.  Hasset  and  Routzhan.  In  1870 
the  corner-stone  of  one  of  the  largest  churches  in  town  was  laid,  and  in  the 
following  year  the  little  congregation  of  about  a  dozen  families  worshiped 
in  its  basement.  Hard  were  the  struggles  to  complete  the  work.  To  add  to 
their  troubles,  in  May,  1875,  their  beloved  pastor  was  taken  from  them  and 
consecrated  Bishop  of  Wheeling.  Father  Van  De  Vyver  succeeded,  and  the 
church  was  completed  in  1878,  and  dedicated  under  the  special  patronage  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus.  On  this  joyful  occasion  the  celebrant  was  no 
other  than  Bishop  Kain,  who  had  started  the  enterprise  in  1868,  and  for  six 
long  years  labored  hard  for  its  completion.  The  Catholic  spirit  was  not  yet 
satisfied.  The  congregation  yearned  for  a  resident  pastor.  Through  all  the 
weary  years  of  labor  and  waiting.  Winchester  was  only  an  out  mission  be- 
longing to  Harper's  Ferry,  long  visited  once  a  month,  and  that  on  a  week 
day.  Rev.  J.  Hagan  became  the  first  resident  pastor  in  1878.  For  him  the 
congregation  built  a  comfortable  residence  on  the  lot  adjoining  the  church. 
A  steeple  was  added,  and  placed  in  it  one  of  the  largest  and  sweetest  toned 
bells  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia.  Father  Hagan  also  founded  a  parochial 
school,  which  now  flourishes  with  an  average  attendance  of  45, — a  number 
more  than  equal  to  all  the  Catholic  souls  in  Winchester  in  1865.  Rev.  Hagan 
was  succeeded  in  June,  1882,  by  Rev.  D.  J.  O'Connell,  D.  D..  at  present  Rec- 
tor of  the  American  College,  Rome.  He  remained  pastor  until  Oct.,  1883. 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  B.  O'Reilly.  In  that  short  period  no  pas- 
tor ever  endeartd  himself  so  much  to  the  congregation  and  people  of  Win- 
chester. He  purchased  a  most  beautiful  site  for  a  new  Catholic  cemetery. — 
Finally,  the  little  congregation  of  not  more  than  a  score  in  1865,  worshiping 
in  a  small  private  parlor,  is  now  grown  to  over  300  souls.  The  Catholics 
have  a  handsome  church,  a  school,  a  pastoral  residence,  and  a  resident  pas- 
tor. All  their  property  is  paid  for,  and  no  debt  hangs  over  them  to  encum- 
ber their  future. 

Let  us  add  that  Rev.  Father  O'Reilly,  the  present  pastor,  is  a  worthy  suc- 
cessor of  the  faithful  priests  who  have  labored  before  him  in  the  Valley. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  161 

THE  GETTYSBURG  CHURCH. 


The  early  Catholics  in   and  about  Gettysburg  were  chiefly  Germans. 
They  were  poor,  few,  and  widely  scattered  ;  but  whether  the  sun  shone  or 
the  rain  fell,  in  the  dust  of  summer  and  the  snow  of  winter,  they  went, 
(many  on  foot)    tv  to  hear  Mass  on  Sunday  and  Holydays  of  obligation." 
A  few  attended  church  at  Emmettsburg,  Maryland  ;  some  at  Littlestown, 
Pennsylvania  ;  others  at  St.  Ignatius,  in  the  Mountain  ;  but  most  at  Conewa- 
go  Chapel,  in  the  valley.     The  first  two  named  are  about  ten  and  the  last 
two  about  twelve  miles  distant  from  the  town.     Rev.  Matthew  Lekeu,  S.  J., 
the  Superior  of  the  Jesuits  at  Conewago,  and  Rev.  Michael  Doughercy,  S.  J., 
one  of  his  assistants,  were  the  first  to  establish  the  congregation  and  build  a 
Catholic  church  at  Gettysburg.     The  task  was  a  hard  one  ;  but  where  God's 
glory  or  the  salvation  of  souls  is  concerned  the  Jesuit  knows  no  hardships. 
The  good  Catholics  generously  responded  to  their  appeal,  and  even  deprived 
themselves  to  contribute  to  the  new  edifice.     Early  in  the  year  1830,  the  mat- 
ter assumed  definite  shape.     Among    the  largest  contributors  were   Peter 
Eline  and  Peter  Martin,  who  each  gave  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and 
Jacob  Norbeck,  who  gave,  as  his  subscription,  a  lot  of  ground  (of  about  the 
same  value)  situated  near  the  south  end  of  West  (now  Washington)  street, 
on  which  the  church  was  erected.     The  following  advertisement  appeared 
in  the  county  papers  in  reference  to  the  building  of  the  church.—-1  Notice. 
—The  subscribers  having  been  appointed  Agents  by  Rev   Mat.  Lakieu  to  re- 
ceive proposals  from  the  date  hereof  until  the  first  of  May  next  for  the  build- 
ing of  a  Roman  Catholic  Church  in  the  borough  of  Gettysburg,  of  the  follow- 
ing dimensions,  viz  :  The  church  to  be  40  feet  in  length  and  30  feet  in  breadth, 
outside,    with  a   semi-circular  or  semi-decagon  Sanctuary  at  the  East  (it 
should  read  West)  gable  end  of  the  Church  of  15  (afterwards  printed  71) 
feet  radius  inside.     A  steeple  to  be  raised  in  front,  one-half  thereof  within 
the  church,  of  12  feet  square,  and  to  be  65  feet  in  height.     The  foundations 
of  the  church,   sanctuary,  and  steeple  to  be  composed  of  sufficient  rough 
stone  work,  and  the  body  of  the  same  to  be  of  sufficient  brick  work  ;  the 
side  walls  of  the  church  to  be  22  feet  from  the  floor,  and  the  walls  of  the 
sanctuary   of  the   same   height.     The  roof  of  the  church,  sanctuary,   and 
steeple  to  be  covered  with  pine  shingles.     The  roof  of  the  steeple  to  be  a 
polygon  roof  :  and  that  of  the  sanctuary  to  correspond  with  the  shape.     The 
contractor  will  have  to  find  all  the  material,  hands,  etc.,  necessary  for  the 
erection  of  said  building,  a  plan  whereof  has  been  deposited  with  the  sub- 
scribers, agreeably  to  which  the  said  church  will  have  to  be  built.    The  altar, 
pulpit,  and  ornamental  \rork  will  not  be  included  in  said  proposals,  as  they 
will  be  added  after  the  erection  of  the  church.     It  will  be  required  that  the 
contractor  finish  the  church  agreeably  to  the  plan,  during  the  ensuing  sum- 
mer.    Persons  desirous  of  contracting  for  the  building  of  said  church,  will 
please  apply  to  Samuel  Lilly  and  Joseph  Sneeringer,  Sen.,  near  Conewago 
Church.     April  5,  1830."     The  contract  was  given  to  a  Mr.  Barkley,  who 
did  the  carpenter  work  ;  and  under  his  direction  Ephraim  Hanaway  did  the 
mason  work,  and  James  Bonn  the  plastering.     The  corner-stone  was  laid  on 
Wednesday,  the  11th  day  of  August,  1830.     There  was  no  Bishop  present. 
Two  sermons  were  delivered  in  the  old  Court  House,  one  bv  Rev.  Paul  C. 


162  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Kohlman,  a  Jesuit.     The  building  was  almost  completed,   when  on  Thurs- 
day, the  19th  day  of  May,  1831,  it  was  struck  by  lightning,  ,l  the  conductor 
not  being  completed."     "A  plasterer  (Jonathan  Gilbert)  at  work  in   the 
steeple,  was  prostrated,  and  remained  senseless  for  some  time,  but  recover- 
ed.    The  fluid  passsed  down  the  cupola,  then  passed  off  at  right  angles  to  a 
saw  on  a  post,  split  the  post,  and  passed  down  the  wall  of  the  steeple  to  the 
frontdoor,  making  a  groove. "    The  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  Oct. 
2,  1831,  by  Rt.  Rev.  Frs.  P.  Kenrick,  Bishop  of  Philadelphia.    The  music  was 
furnished  by  the  choir  from  Emmettsburg,  Maryland.     The  text  of  the  ser- 
mon was,  "  Make  unto  yourselves  friends  of  the  Mammon  of  iniquity. "    The 
church  was  called  St.  Francis  Xavier's.     It  cost  about  $1800.     To  the  des- 
cription as  already  given,  (in  the  proposal)  it  may  be  added  that  the  ceiling 
was  caved,  and  there  was  a  gallery  over  the  door.     The  church  contained 
twenty  pews  with  one  center  aisle.     Among  the  original  members  were  Ja- 
cob Norbeck,  Peter  Eline,  Peter  Martin,  Michael  Gallagher,  a  lawyer,  Dr.  C. 
N.  Burluchy,  George  Richter,  Nicholas  Codori.  George  Codori,  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Allen,  the  McLoughlins,  McAleers,  Lazarus  Shorb,  Nicholas  Ecken- 
rode,  Daniel  Sherkey,  Mrs.  Thompson  and  but  a  few  others.     Rev.  Michael 
Dougherty,  S.  J.,  was  the  first  pastor,  Lewis  Norbeck  and  Daniel  Shirkey 
were  the  first  altar-boys.     The  lot  given  by  Mr.  Norbeck  was  also  used  as  a 
grave-yard.     The  first  burial  authenticated,  was  that  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Al- 
len, who  died  November  10,   1831.     Among  the  early  marriages  after  the 
church  was  built  are  Margaret  Eisenman  to  Michael  Zhea,  by  Father  Dough- 
erty, in  September,  1834,  and  John  Hamilton  to  Laurah  A.  Eline,  by  the 
same  pastor,  April  23,   1837.     Mr.  Hamilton  was  one  of  the  first  convertD. 
The  congregation  increased   rapidly  under  the   guidance  of  good   Father 
Dougherty.     Among  the  members  of  1840  are  to  be  added  to  the  original 
ones  the  Doersums,  Warners,  M.  Zhea,  John  Martin.  John  Carver,  Smiths, 
Hemlers,  John  Ertter  and  some  others.     A  bell  weighing  about  400  pounds 
was  procured  for  the  church  in  1842  or  3.     Father  Dougherty  closed  his  long 
and  successful  pastorate  in  the  latter  year.     About  this  time  there  was  Mass 
about  every  two  weeks,   before  this  it  was  only  once  a   month.     Rev.   F. 
Kendler  (from  Conewago,  but  not  a  Jesuit. )   came  here  about  the  6th  day 
of  June,  1843.     He  was  followed  by  Rev.  Joseph  Dietz.  S.  J.,   who  was  in 
charge  from  about  the  27th  day  of  August,  1843,  until  March  11, 1848.     Fath- 
er Dietz  made  a  sacristy  in  the  church,   prior  to  that  the  priest  robed  behind 
the  altar.     He  also  organized  a  choir,  before  his  time  the  whole  congrega- 
tion sang  in  German.     Mr.  Weigle  was  the  leader  ;  the  music  was  all  vocal. 
He  also  had  a  picture  of  the  Crucifixion  placed  above  the  altar.     Father 
George  Villiger,  S.  J.,  the  next  attendant,  came  about  March  16,  1848,  and 
left  in  Oct.  of  the  same  year.    About  the  27th  of  Dec,  1848.  Rev.  J.  B.  Cattani. 
S.  J.,  assumed  charge  and  remained  until  about  the  10th  of  Nov.,  1849.     He 
was  succeeded  about  Dec.  8th,  1849,  by  Rev.  James  B.  Cotting  (he  was  from 
Conewago,  but  did  not  sign  S.  J.  to  his  name.)     The  following  were  the  pew 
holders,   Jan.  1,  1851  :  Jacob  Norbeck.  John  Norbeck,  Jacob  Case,  Andrew 
Stock,   Francis  Booty,  John  Hamilton,  John  Carver,  John  Martin.  Nicholas 
Codori,  George  Codori,  John  Weikle,  Valentine  Warner.   Lazarus   Shorb, 
Joseph  Smith,  Nicholas  Hoffman,  Jacob  Kuhn,  George  Jacobs,  James  Waga- 
mon,  Joseph  Shillen,  Anthony  Codori  and  Philip  Krixer.     A  pew   was  re- 
served for  the  poor.     In  the  first  years  the  pews  were  free,  but  in  1851  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  163 

pew  rents  amounted  to  $145.56.     The  congregation  from  1840  increased  so 
rapidly  that  the  church  soon  became  too  small.     Father  Cotting  took  upon 
himself  the  burden  of  providing  a  new  place  of  devotion.     He  was  a  most 
zealous  worker,  and  being  popular  with  all  classes,  was  a  most  successful 
canvasser  for  contributions.     Catholics  and  Protestants  alike  generously  re- 
sponded to  his  appeal,  and  among  the  contributors  was  Rev.  S.  S.  Smucker, 
D.  D.,  the  President  of  the  Lutheran  Theological  Seminary  at  Gettysburg. 
On  the  22d  day  of  Dec,  1851,  the  following  notice  appeared  in  the  local  pa- 
pers ;  "  To  Church  Builders.— Sealed  proposals  will  be  received  by  Nicho- 
las Codori  in  Gettysburg,  until  Saturday,  the  10th  day  of  January  next,  for 
building  a  Catholic  Church  in  Gettysburg.     Plans  and  specifications  for  the 
church  can  be  seen  at  any  time  by  persons  wishing  to  build  by  calling  on 
Nicholas  Codori,   one  of  the  committee,  in  Gettysburg.     By  order  of  Rev.  J. 
Cotting.     Nicholas  Codori.  John  Martin,  Joseph  Smith,  Jacob  Case,  commit- 
tee.    N.  B.— Rev.  James  B.  Cotting  yet  continues  the  officiating  clergyman, 
and  by  his  libeiality  and  good  conduct  the  congregation  is  in  a  prospeious 
condition."     The  contract  was  awarded  in  Jan.,  1851,  to  George  and  Henry 
Chritzman.     The  contract  price  was  §3800,  but  many  extras  were  added. 
They  gave  out  the  mason  work  to  Henry  Kuhn,  and  the  plastering  to  James 
Bohn.     The  old  church  was  torn  down  in  March,  1852,  and  on  Friday  the 
26th,  while  the  South  wall  was  being  prepared  for  removal,  it  fell  on  Henry 
Hollinger  and  Charles  Buckmaster  (colored),  two  of  the  workmen,  and  kill- 
ed them.     The  bricks  were  used  in  the  new  church,  having  become  the  prop- 
erty of  the  contractors.     In  about  April,   1852,  a  lot  75  by  180  feet,  situated 
on  West  High  street,  on  which  the  church  was  built,  was  purchased  for  §750 
from  Ferdinand  E.  Vandersloot  :   the  deed  seems  to  have  been  made  to  St. 
Joseph's  College,  of  Philadelphia.  Pa.,  in  trust  for  the  Catholic  congregation 
worshiping  in  St.  Francis  Xavier's  Church  in  Gettysburg,  Adams  County,  Pa. 
The  corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid  on  Sunday,  June  20th,  1852,  by 
Rt.  Rev.  John  Neumann,  Bishop  of  Philadelphia.     About  a  year  later,  (Sun- 
day. July  31,  1853),  the  same  prelate  (who  had  laid  the  corner-stone,)  dedi- 
cated the  church  to  the  service  of  the  Living  God.     The  following  is  a  des- 
cription of  the  Church  as  it  appeared  about  the  time  of  its  dedication  :   The 
building  is  of  brick,  48  feet  wide,  90  feet  long,  and  about  40  feet  high.     It 
has  a  Roman  cupola  of  about  60  feet.     It  contains  a  fine  sanctuary,  accompa- 
nied on  either  side  by  a  sacristry  or  confessional.     The  height  of  the  inside 
walls  is  about  26  feet,  and  the  ceiling  is  plain  or  level.     It  contained  64  pews 
and  room  for  more.     There  is  a  center  and  two  side  aisles.     A  broad  gallery 
used  by  the  choir  extends  over  the  entrance  from  wall  to  wall.     It  has  also 
a  fine  pipe  organ.     There  was  a  large  oil  painting  representing  the  raising  of 
a  dead  man  to  life  by  St.  Francis  Xavier,  (painted  by  Francis  Stecker,)  plac- 
ed back  of  the  altar.     There  were  alcoves  above  the  sacristy ,  from  which  the 
sermons  were  sometimes  preached.     The  old  bell  was  transferred  to  the  new 
cupola.     The  first  marriage  after  the  completion  of  the  new  church  was  that 
of  Charles  McFadden  to  Laurah  Amanda  Mclntire,  by  Father  Cotting,  Au- 
gust 1.   1853.     Among  the  first  baptisms  was  Anna.R.,  daughter  of  Daniel 
and   Elizabeth  Lee,   August  3,   1853,  also  by  Father  Cotting.     This  faithful 
pastor  did  not  remain  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  successful  labor    but  in  obe- 
dience to  the  call  of  his  Superior,  left  August  29    1853,  for  other  fields  or. 
usefulness,  followed  by  the  prayers  of  his  devoted  and  grateful  flock.     He 
was  succeeded  September  the  11,  1853,  by  the  learned  and  eloquent  Fathei 


164  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

F.  X.  Deneckere,  S.  J.,  who  greatly  improved  the  interior  of  the  church  and 
established  a  Library  and  also  a  Rosary  Society.  This  holy  priest  was  the 
last  regular  Jesuit  pastor,  and  about  the  time  he  left,  (November  2,  1858,) 
the  Jesuit  Fathers  gave  over  the  congregation  and  church  property  into  the 
care  and  control  of  Rt.  Rev.  James  F.  Wood,  Bishop  of  Philadelphia.  A  new 
charge  was  now  formed  out  of  St.  Ignatius  Church  in  Buchanan  Valley,  Im- 
maculate Conception,  of  Fairfield,  and  St.  Francis  Xavier's,  of  Gettjsburg, 
with  but  one  pastor  residing  in  the  latter  place.  About  Nov.  14,  1858,  Rev. 
Basil  A.  Shorb  was  appointed  the  first  secular  pastor.  He  remained  until 
about  the  24  of  Feb.,  1860.  He  was  followed  by  Rev  L.  J.  Miller,  who  was 
in  charge  from  about  March  14,  1860,  to  August  15,  of  the  same  year.  The 
Rev.  F.  P.  Mulgreu  was  stationed  here  from  Sep.  16  to  Dec.  27,  1860.  Then 
came  Rev.  Michael  F.  Martin,  who  was  here  a  short  time.  The  next  pastor 
was  Rev.  A.  M.  McGinnis,  who  was  in  charge  from  July  16,  1861.  to  about 
Oct.  27,  1863.  In  common  with  the  other  churches  of  the  town,  St.  Francis 
Xavier's  was  used  as  a  hospital  during  the  Battle  of  Gettysburg.  It  was 
first  occupied  as  such  before  noon  of  July  1,  1863,  and  was  used  for  this  pur- 
pose for  several  weeks.  While  the  church  was  so  occupied,  Mass  was  said 
in  a  room  at  the  house  of  Nicholas  Codori.  Father  Joseph  A.  Boll  assumed 
charge  of  the  congregation  Jin.  4,  1864.  He  at  once  repaired  the  damage 
done  the  church  during  the  battle.  In  June  following  his  corning,  he  had 
the  church  frescoed  and  ornamented  with  shadow  statuary  painting,  repre- 
senting the  twelve  apostles.  The  work  was  done  by  Mr.  George  Seiling,  of 
Reading,  Pa.,  and  was  finished  in  the  following  Sep.  Mr.  Philip  Doersom 
had  purchased  the  Crucifixion,  (painted  by  Mr.  Gephart,  of  York,)  which 
hung  in  the  old  church,  from  Father  Deneckere.  He  had  it  newly  framed 
and  the  painting  repaired.  Father  Boll  desired  to  purchase  it,  but  Mr.  Doer- 
som declined  to  sell  ;  but  consented  to  its  being  placed  in  rear  of  the  altar, 
if  a  proper  recess  were  frescoed  for  it.  This  was  done,  and  the  words  "  Co- 
piosa  Apud  Eum  Redemptio  "  forming  a  suitable  arch  were  painted  above 
it.  The  picture  is  still  there,  but  owned  by  Mr.  Doersom.  The  large  paint- 
ing was  removed  to  a  side  wall  of  the  sanctuary  and  is  still  there.  About 
the  same  time  an  elegant  walnut  pulpit,  designed  by  Mr.  Seiling.  but  made 
in  Gettysburg,  was  placed  in  the  church.  During  August  of  1865,  the  last 
cent  due  by  the  church  was  paid.  Gas  was  first  used  in  the  church  in  1871. 
In  the  latter  part  of  the  same  year  a  lot  was  purchased  almost  opposite  the 
church  and  the  building  of  a  parsonage  was  commenced  theron  Dec.  1,  1871, 
and  completed  Oct.  5,  1872.  It  is  a  fine  large  brick  dwelling,  and  cost,  com- 
pleted and  furnished,  over  $7000.  It  was  mainly  paid  for  by  monthly  con- 
tributions, lasting  four  years.  In  the  spring  of  1873.  the  Mountain  Church 
was  detached  from  the  Gettysburg  charge,  and  since  Mass  is  celebrated  the 
first  three  Sundays  at  the  latter  place,  and  the  fourth  Sunday  at  Fairfield, 
other  church  days  being  divided.  The  parochial  school  house  was  commenc- 
ed in  June  and  finished  in  August,  1877.  It  is  a  roomy  frame  building  fur- 
nished in  modern  style,  and  is  located  in  rear  of  the  parsonage.  The  first 
school  session  began  Sep.  1,  1877.  Father  Boll  took  charge  personally  and 
taught  the  classes.  His  assistant  was  Miss  Kate  Marley,  of  Columbia.  Pa. 
The  following  year  he  continued  to  teach,  being  assisted  by  Misses  Mary 
Kummerant  and  Emily  L.  Martin,  of  Gettysburg.  The  school  continued 
under  the  same  control  until  Feb.  1880,   when  Mr.  Martin  F.  Power  took 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  165 

charge  of  all  the  classes,  the  pastor  still  being  the  nominal  head,  but  no  lon- 
ger teaching,  excepting  Christian  Doctrine.     It  was  a  success  from  the  be- 
ginning, and  still  continues  so.     Its  course  is  high,  full  and  practical.     There 
are  about  90  pupils.     In  Dec,  1877,  the  old  bell  was  exchanged  for  a  new 
one  weighing  1233  pounds.     On  the  8th  of  the  same  month— the  feast  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception— its  sweet  notes  rang  forth  the  Angel's  Salutation  of 
4000  years  ago— being  the  first  time  the  Angelus  was  regularly  rung  in  Get- 
tysburg.    In  the  fall  of  1880,  Fathers  Bouch  and  Trimple— two  Redemptor- 
ists — gave  a  mission   which  resulted  in  much  good.     They  also  erected  a 
mission  cross,  which  is  attached   to  the  inside  wall  of  the  church  near  the 
Confessional.     In  the  summer  of  1881.  Father  Boll  replaced  the  old  church 
windows  by  beautiful  burnt  memorial  ones,  which  are  historical  and  of  su- 
perior workmanship.     They  were  made  by  F.  Hoeckel,  of  Baltimore,  and 
cost  about  $1000.     Father  Boll  having  obtained  a  nine  months'  leave  to  trav- 
el in  Europe  and  Palestine  in  the  fall  of  1881,  Rev.  Henry  Relt  was  appoint- 
ed to  take  his  place.     He  remained  in  charge  until  the  following  summer. 
His  gentle  and  dignified  manner  at  once  won  him  the  affection  and  respect 
of  the  congregation.     Father  Boll  resumed  charge  after  his  return  from 
abroad.     He  had  only  returned  a  few  weeks  when  he  was  appointed  pastor 
at  Lebanon,  Pa      Rev.  John  J.  Shanahan  was  then  appointed  pastor.     He 
was  only  here  a  few  months,  long  enough  to  arouse  a  new  spirit  of  devotion 
among  the  people,  and  by  his  eloquence  and  learning  fill  their  hearts  with  in- 
creased love  of  God.     There  were  many  links  that  bound  Father  Bull  to  the 
earliest  charge  he  filled,  and  at  the  first  opportunity  he  returned  to  the  scene 
of  his  early  labors,  in  Dec,  1882.     Jan.  3.  1885,  the  last  debt  due  by  the  con- 
gregation was  paid.     St.  Francis  Xavier's  Catholic  Beneficial  Society  was  or- 
ganized Jan.  4.  1885.   with  about  35  members.     It  has  about  50  now.     The 
Library  was  re-organized  in  April  of  the  same  year,  and  has  about  600  (hun- 
dred) books  and  40  members.   There  were  5  acres,  29  perches  of  land  bought 
June  4,  1885,  and  laid  out  for  a  cemetery.     Ex-Sheriff  Jacob  Klunk,  Esq., 
was  the  first  buried,  on  September  8,  1885.    The  cemetery  was  blessed  by  Rt. 
Rev.  J.  F.  Shanahan,  Bishop  of  Harrisburg,  Sunday,  September  13,   1885. 
The  school  children,  society,  and  congregation  went  in  procession   from  the 
church  to  the  grounds  before  High  Mass.     The  congregation  numbers  about 
600.     The  title  to  the  church  property  is  in  the  Bishop  of  Harrisburg  in  trust. 
It  is  worth  about  $18,000.     The  congregation  do  not  owe  a  cent  of  debt. 
They  have  the  finest  parsonage,  the  best  bell,  and  the  handsomest  church  in 
the  town.     Among  the  present  members  are  found  some  of  the  wealthiest 
and  best  citizens  of  the  county.     The  liberality  of  the  past  generation  has  de- 
scended to  the  present,  and  as  the  generous  contributor  looks  about  him  and 
sees  what  he  has  helped  to  accomplish  for  the  church,  he  recalls  the  words 
of  the  Psalmist  :   "  I  have  loved.  Oh  Lord,  the  beauty  of  Thy  House  and  the 
place  where  Thy  glory  dwelleth."  Wm.  McSherry.  Jr. 

Gettysburg,  Oct.  12,  1885. 


166  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

GATHERING  UP  THE  SCRAPS. 


A.    M.    D.    G.    ET  B.    M.    V.    H. 


We  gather  up  the  fragments  that  remain.  ,l  lest  they  be  lost.11  They 
may  seem  trifling  to  some  ;  others  can  appreciate  their  importance,  to  whom 
such  scraps  of  our  early  church  history  that  is  lost  and  forgotten  would  in- 
deed be  valuable.  So  with  these  :  they  will  grow  in  interest.  They  might 
be  put  in  better  shape,  and  come  in  more  consecutive  order,  but  time  will 
not  allow.     The  object  we  have  most  in  mind  is  their  preservation. 

Rev.  James  Stillinger,  a  priest  in  Western  Pennsylvania,  (see  Lambing,s 
Hist,  of  Western  Pa.,  p.  402),  died  Sept.  18,  1873.  His  father  was  born  in 
York  Co.,  Pa.  Fr.  S.  worked  as  a  printer  in  Chambersburg  and  Gettysburg, 
when  a  boy  ;  entered  St.  Mary's  College  through  Father  Dubois,  and  became 
a  priest  in  1830.  Lambing  mentions  a  priest  at  Conewago  in  1789,  named 
John  B.  Causey,  who  did  missionary  work  in  Western  Pennsylvania.  He 
came  from  Philadelphia  to  Conewago  and  from  there  was  called  to  attend 
the  death-bed  of  Father  Browers,  in  Westmoreland  Co.,  Pa.  This  Father, 
among  other  bequests,  willed  some  personal  property  "  for  the  use  of  the 
Poor  Roman  Catholic  Irish,  that  does  or  shall  live  at  the  Chappel,  on  Cone- 
wagga."  There  is  no  record  of  what  became  of  Father  Causey,  (see  Lam- 
bing, p.  364.)  Rev.  Francis  Fromm  came  from  Germany  in  1789.  and  from 
Conewago  he  went  to  the  Western  Pa.  Missions.  Father  Pellentz  visited 
these  missions  from  Conewago.  Rev  Peter  Heilbron  was  among  the  early 
priests  in  Western  Pa.  He  died  at  Carlisle  about  1816.  Father  Brosius. 
while  at  Conewago,  also  visited  McGuire's  settlement,  in  Cambria  Co.,  and 
after  him  came  Father  Galhtzin.  Rev.  Jas.  Bradley,  a  priest  in  Blair  Co., 
was  ordained  at  Conewago,  Sept.  20th,  1830,  by  Bishop  Kenrick.  Father 
O'Brien,  one  of  the  first  priests  in  Pittsburg,  spent  a  short  time  at  Conewago 
about  1820.  when  his  health  compelled  his  retirement  from  active  labor  in 
the  ministry. 

Rev.  A.  A.  Lambing 's  father  was  baptized  at  Conewago  April  12th.  1807, 
and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  Catholics  of  Western  Pennsylvania.  Father 
Lambing  is  widely  known  for  his  valuable  and  extensive  research  in  Catho- 
lic history ,  and  also  as  a  learned  writer  on  Catholic  subjects.  His  labors  in 
the  interest  of  Catholic  local  history  have  been  very  successful.  The  most 
laudable  effort  of  his  life  is  the  establishment  of  a  publication  devoted  to  the 
early  history  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  this  country.  Catholics  should  en- 
courage it,  and  make  it  permanent. 

Fragments  of  names  and  dates,  gathered  from  the  old  account  books  at 
Conewago  :  Among  those  employed  as  laborers  when  the  priests  yet  farmed 
the  land,  we  find  the  following  :  John  Strasbaugh,  blacksmith  :  Henry 
Small,  Alex.  Robinson,  Peter  Majors,  George  Nace,  Julian  Plunket,  Mary 
Koch,  Cath.  Chambers,  Mary  O'Neil,  Susan  and  Mary  Will,  Eliz.  Dellone, 
Mary  Major,  Cath.  Baker.  Mar.  Strasbaugh  ;  Peter  O'Neil.  who  entered  the 
house  on  Monday,  July  23d,  1827  ;  Madalene  Shaffer.  John  Adams.  1833, 
Aug.  23d,  to  Rev.  Mr.  Curley,  of  Georgetown,  for  expenses  to  return  to  col- 
lege.    May  19th.  Father  Vespre  on  stage  to  Georgetown.     1834,  paid  to  Rev. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  107 

Mr.  Divin  on  account  of  the  Masses  discharged  for  Father  Provincial.  1835, 
March  20,  to  Trappist  Brother,  of  Nova  Scotia,  for  Father  Docherty.  July 
13,  for  the  voyage  of  Father  Helias  ;  when  he  arrived.  Father  C.  Paul  Kohl- 
man  was  recalled  to  Georgetown.  The  sketch  of  Conewago  heretofore  allud- 
ed to,  thought  to  have  been  written  about  1S30,  is  of  a  later  date,  as  the  fol- 
lowing scrap,  which  belongs  to  it,  clearly  shows  :  lu  Father  Barber  arrived 
heie  to  make  his  retreat,  and  will  probably  stay  with  us.  Father  Helias  re- 
ceived orders  of  our  Father  Provincial  to  go  to  Missouri  ;  he  started  the  6th 
of  Aug.,  1835,  with  the  stage  of  Littlestown.'"  Father  Helias  died  in  Mis- 
souri in  1874,  at  an  old  age.  He  came  from  Europe  with  Father  De  Smet 
and  his  companions,  for  missionary  work  in  the  West,  and  was  one  of  the 
first  priests  west  of  St.  Louis.  1850,  Rev.  Wirzfeld  collected  for  Waynes- 
burg.  The  collection  for  Episcopate  fund  of  that  year  sent  by  Brother  Lan- 
caster. 1851,  collection  for  il  Milwauki  "  by  Rev.  Latzman.  1852,  Rev. 
Moore  visitor  at  Conewago.  1845,  collection  by  Father  Dietz  for  Rev.  Wacth- 
len.  1852,  loan  to  Fr.  Early,  sent  by  Bro.  Redman  to  St.  John's.  1853,  Nov., 
boarded  Bro.  Logan  ;  at  Conewago  for  his  health.  1854,  Feb.  6th,  boarded 
Fr.  Kreifihton  :  most  likely  there  for  his  health.  Thomas  Will  entered  our 
house  April  1st,  1830  ;  was  to  be  furnished  with  "cloth  of  our  own  man  j- 
factory."  1844,  names  of  Brothers  Quinlan  and  Cavanaugh.  About  this 
time,  a  painter  named  Gephart,  was  at  Conewago  ;  painted  picture  of  Miss 
Sally  Lilly's  father,  one  of  Mr.  McSherry's  father,  and  Mr.  Bauge's  father  ; 
also,  picture  of  St.  Ignatius,  long  on  B.  V.  altar,  and  picture  of  St.  Francis 
Regis;  a  little  painting  for  Nippero's  Valley;  and  a  painting  to  be  sent  to 
Gettysburg,  "  which  shall  remain  in  my  possession  until  that  congregation 
pays  S30.1'  Clotilda  Stigers  mended  priests'"  vestments  and  attended  altar. 
Sister  Ann.  Superior  at  McSherrystown.  There  is  a  list  of  young  ladies  who 
attended  the  school  at  that  time,  as  follows  :  Mary  E.  Adelsperger  ;  Adeline, 
Catharine  and  Susanna  Kenney  ;  Louisa  Maria  Shorb,  Harriet  Linco  Walms- 
ley,  Catharine  Baker,  Alphonsia  Walsh,  Catharine  Stephens,  Margaret  Col- 
gan,  Anna  Mary  Linn,  Catharine  Sneeringer  ;  book  for  M.  Euphrosina.  It  is 
gratifying  to  see  that  the  young  ladies  of  that  time,  from  about  1834  to  1840. 
had  real  solid  christian  names,  and  no  fancy  prefixes  like  young  ladies  now 
have.  1844,  Thus.  Lilly  Proc.  Prov..  settled  accounts  of  Fr.  Lekeu.  Names 
of  Steinbacher,  Dietz  and  Kendler,  the  latter  no  Jesuit.  1845.  Revs.  Dietz, 
Kendler  and  Philip  Sacchi.  April  8th  of  that  year,  P.  J.  Verhaegen,  S.  J., 
signed  as  Visitor.  There  is  mention  of  a  Mother  Boilvin  among  the  first  Sis- 
ters at  McSherrystown.  Dec.  30th,  1845,  ,l  Madame"  Boilvin  gave  $20  to 
Mr.  Kendler  at  his  departure  for  Milwaukee.  1847,  May  18th,  Father  Ver- 
haegen. Visitor.  1850,  Oct.  17,  Ignatius  Brocard,  Visitor.  Sept.  16,  1865,  An- 
gelus  M.  Paresre,  Visitor. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Causey,  or  Cause,  came  to  Conewago  from  Philadelphia,  be- 
tween 1787  and  1789. 

Nov.  10th,  1845,  letter  from  Francis  Patrick  Kenrick,  Bishop  of  Phila., 
to  Rev.  N.  Steinbacher,  Superior  of  Conewago,  in  regard  to  Sisters  leaving 
McSherrystown.  He  submits  the  matter  to  the  judgment  of  the  Sisters,  who, 
notwithstanding  the  great  sacrifice  to  them,  incline  to  remove  on  account  of 
the  difficulty  of  access  to  McSherrystown.  1860,  Father  Manns  attended  Par- 
adise. Petition  from  Paradise  congregation  to  Superior  for  permission  to 
haye  court  grant  a  road  from  the  Berlin  Turnpike  to  the  church,  through 


168  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

farms  of  A.  W.  Storm,  Joseph  Clunk  and  church.  Road  was  made,  and 
comes  out  immediately  in  front  of  church. 

When  the  Hanover  and  Baltimore  Turnpike  was  built,  $1000  stock  was 
entered  in  the  name  of  Charles  Neal,  1811,  Superior  of  the  Maryland  Mis- 
sions. The  Conewago  priests  from  time  to  time  drew  the  dividends,  which 
at  first  were  a  fair  per  cent.,  and  towards  later  years  did  not  amount  to 
much  and  the  matter  was  entirely  lost  sight  of  for  some  years.  Father  Bell- 
walder  was  about  the  last  to  draw  a  dividend.  Father  Etnig,  of  St.  Joseph's, 
Hanover,  took  up  the  matter  and  writes  to  Father  Enders,  Superior,  March 
27th,  1882,  as  follows  :  Says  he  attended  to  the  business  as  good  as  if  a  law- 
yer had  been  employed.  Wants  nothing  for  it  but  a  habit,  kt  mine  is  wear- 
ing out  ;  "  health  has  been  very  bad,  coughing  day  and  night,  with  pains  in 
the  head. 

The  following  names  and  dates  are  gleaned  from  the  letters  of  the  Super- 
iors of  the  Society  : 

1858,  Oct.  20th,  shall  be  obliged  to  diminish  priests  at  Conewago — Father 
Reiter  probably  be  taken. 

To  Father  Cattani,  Superior  at  Conewago,  Feb.  23d,  1858  :  We  have  lost 
Brother  Marshall,  in  his  51st  year  in  God's  holy  service  in  the  Society. 

1852,  Brother  Mattingly  sent  to  replace  Bro.  Doyle.  Fathei  Manns  re- 
called to  Frederick  in  1853,  to  make  a  year  of  Third  Probation.  Father  Dom. 
perio  succeeded  Father  Cattani  as  Superior  for  a  short  time,  between  1865 
and  n66.     Father  N.  Steinbacher  did  suddenly  at  St.  Mary's,  Boston,  Feb.  14th, 

1862.  Father  Roger  Dietz  died  in  1860,  He  was  "a  man  of  prayer."  In 
Oct.,  1861,   Father  Sheerin   was  called  to  Baltimore  from  Conewago.     Jan., 

1863.  Father  Barrister  sent  to  Conewago,  to  rest  a  while  from  the  great  labors 
and  exertions,  both  of  body  and  of  mind,  which  he  has  endured  for  the  past 
two  years.  He  took  Fr.  Deneckere's  place,  who  went  for  a  short  time  to 
Boston  to  assist  Father  Reiter.  Feb.  24th,  1863,  Father  Dom  perio  sent  to 
Conewago  from  Balto.  In  Jan.,  1862,  Mr.  J.  Shorb,  architect,  was  sent  from 
Balto.  to  superintend  building  at  Conewago  :  the  plans  were  soon  after 
changed,  and  he  was  recalled.  1841,  Thomas  F.  Mulledy,  S.  J.,  on  a  visit  to 
Nice,  appointed  Father  McEIroy  his  attorney. 

There  is  a  scrap  of  a  letter  of  introduction  from  a  Conewago  priest  for  a 
Protestant  gentleman  about  to  start  for  Rome,  to  Padre  Trasset.  No  date  or 
name  ;  says  it  is  his  seventh  year  on  this  continent ;  came  in  company  with 
Fathers  Rey  and  Dietz,  the  former  gone  to  receive  his  reward,  the  latter 
"  with  us  at  Conewago."     Anthony  Rey  was  Socius  Prov.  in  1845. 

John  H.  Nipper  writes  to  Father  Steinbacher  from  Frederick,  April  6, 
1845  ;  sends  respects  to  Bro.  Quinlan  ;  says  Father  Sacchi  is  well,  and  he  and 
Bro.  McFadden  send  respects  to  the  Fathers. 

Release,  Feb.  28,  1816,  Lewis  DeBarth  and  successors.  By  will  of  John 
Anselm,  dec'd,  of  Hanover,  he  ordered  200  pounds  to  be  given  to  Rev.  DeB., 
for  which  he  was  to  pay  to  Eve  Anselm  6  per  cent,  interest  ;  she  having  mar- 
ried James  Dullehide,  of  Berwick  Twp.,  they  gave  release. 

Father  Deneckere  writing  from  Frederick,  1858,  says  Latin  class  there  is 
not  superior  to  the  few  boys  of  the  same  category  at  Conewago.  Bishop 
Neumann,  1859,  paid  Mother  Magdalene  #50  a  year  for  each  of  the  orphan 
girls  at  McSherrystowt.     April   23d,   1863.  Bishop  Wood  acknowledges  re- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  169 

ceipt  of  $336.15,  from  Rev.  J.  B.  Cattani,  collection  for  poor  Ireland,  "  with 
our  little  share  added."  Florence  J.  Sullivan,  S.  J.,  Santa  Clara  College 
Cal.  ;  baptized  at  Littlestown  by  Father  DeBarth,  1823  ;  his  father  was  Tim- 
othy, and  his  mother  Joanna  O'Neill  ;  Archbishop  of  San  Francisco  unwill- 
ing to  confer  orders  unless  certificate  of  baptism  be  produced.  He  was  a 
Novice  at  Frederick  about  a  year,  when  his  health  failed. 

Father  Villiger  writes  in  1858  :  Father  Deneckere  gave  liberal  subscrip- 
tion toward  establishing  a  free  school  for  girls  with  the  Sisters,  and  for  boys 
at  Conewago  :  of  which  Father  Enders  was  President  and  German  ;  Deneck- 
ere Prefect  and  Latin  ;  Bro.  Redmond,  Disciplinarian  and  English  :  Mr. 
Gross,  History  and  Mathematics.  He  says,  Father  Dougherty  attends  Lit- 
tlestown ;  myself  and  "Billy,"  Paradise  and  Millerstown.  "Tom,"  poor 
thing,  was  run  blind  by  Fr.  Wigget,  at  St.  Thomas'.  The  priests  always  had 
good  horses,  and  valued  them  highly.  Father  George  Villiger,  who  died  at 
Conewago.  was  called  "  Little  Father  Villiger,"  and  Fr.  Burchard  Villiger, 
now  at  St  Joseph's,  Phila.,  "  Big  Father  V.,"  because  they  were  the  oppo- 
site in  stature.  These  trivial  items,  seemingly  of  little  account,  are  given 
with  the  best  intentions  :  to  many  they  will  recall  vivid  recollections  ;  and 
outside  of  their  priestly  character,  they  show  the  kind  heart  and  cheerful 
spirit  in  the  every  day  life  of  the  missionary.  Father  Enders  attended  Mil- 
lerstown four  years  without  any  compensation,  and  gave  $50  to  silence  some 
claims.  In  1863,  Father  Enders  writes  from  Leonardtown  to  Fr.  Cattani  at 
Conewago,  for  small  picture  of  the  Nativity,  by  Overbach,  and  St.  Stanis- 
laus by  Stecher  ;  desires  to  get  copies  for  St.  Joseph's,  which  was  built  chief- 
ly through  the  exertions  of  Fr.  Cotting.  St.  Joseph's,  Phila.,  Jan.  13,  1860. 
—Father  Ryder  died  yesterday  morning  at  10i,  after  six  days'  severe  ill- 
ness. We  are  only  two  for  work  now.  Father  Barbelin  and  myself.  Thos. 
Lilly,  S.  J.  His  remains  were  taken  to  Georgetown.  Father  Stonestreet  al- 
ludes to  the  apportionment  of  the  funds  from  German  benefactors,  between 
German  missions  of  Boston  and  Richmond  :  and  in  1855,  by  "  Rev  Mr.  Mul- 
ler's  express  order.  I  sent  a  ciumb  to  Conewago." 

Feast  of  St.  Mark,  April  25,  1858,  Father  General  constituted  Rev.  Bur- 
chard Villiger  Provincial  of  Maryland,  to  succeed  Chas.  H.  Stonestreet,  who 
writes  :  k"  In  this,  my  last  official  communication  to  the  ever  dear  Province 
of  Maryland,  I  c»nnot  forbear  to  mention  for  encouragement  and  edification, 
that  while  Provincial  I  have  never  been  disobeyed  ;  and,  moreover,  have 
been  always  humbled  personally,  but  aided  officially,  by  the  superior  virtues 
of  my  brethren  in  Christ."  He  died  suddenly  of  heart  disease  at  Holy  Cross 
College.  Worcester,  Mass.,  July  4,  1885,  aged  72.  He  was  a  native  of  Mary- 
land, stationed  at  Washington,  Georgetown  and  Frederick.  1860,  Fathers 
Enders.  Deneckere  and  Cotting  were  at  Newtown,  St.  Mary's  Co.,  Md.  Loyo- 
la College,  Ap.  9,  1862.— The  Bishop  of  Boston  left  here  to-day  with  Father 
Early  for  Phila.  Father  Emig,  from  St.  Louis,  has  been  attached  to  our 
Province,  and  is  now  at  St.  Mary's,  Boston.  C.  C.  Lancaster,  S.  J.,  to  J.B. 
Cattani,  S.  J.  Phila.,  Dec.  30,  1859.  — Rev.  Father  Sopranis  will  visit  you 
(Conewago),  Jan.  4.  Father  Ciccaterri  and  myself  (C.  C.  L.)  will  accompa- 
ny him. 

April  11.  1858.— Thomas  Lyndon,  Pastor  of  Chambersburg,  to  Father  En- 
ders, Superior  of  Conewago,  for  priest  to  hear  German  confessions  during 
Pascal  season.     Loyola.  July  25,  1862,  Fr.  W.  F.  Clark  sends  bv  Fr.  Vassi, 


170  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

&c,  to  J.  B.  Cattani,  Sup.  at  Conewago.  July  18,  1858,  Fr.  Clark  sends  Bro. 
Riordan  to  Conewago  for  his  health.  Mother  Ignatius,  of  St.  Joseph's,  Mc- 
Sherrystown,  has  in  her  possession  a  chair,  which  once  belonged  to  Fr.  Gal- 
litzin.  It  was  purchased  of  an  aged  lady,  who  in  her  childhood  was  a  pro- 
tege of  that  saintly  man.  It  is  said  to  have  been  the  most  pretending  article 
of  the  kind  in  his  household,  and  was  even  used  by  the  Bishop  when  admin- 
istering Confirmation. 

William  Arter  did  the  plastering  of  the  Conewago  Chapel  when  first 
built.  He  was  a  peculiar  man  and  did  some  very  foolish  things.  At  one 
time  he  kept  a  tavern  at  Hanover,  and  was  well  known. 

Among  the  pewholders  in  1820,  were  :  Edw.  Reily,  Elizabeth  Steigers, 
Nicholas  Ginter,  Margaret  Storm,  Samuel  Lilly,  Samuel  Brady,  Martin 
Clunk,  John  Dellone,  Denis  Carnahan,  Michael  Dellone,  John  Cook,  Henry 
Lilly,  Francis  Marshall,  Ignatius  O 'Bold,  Michael  Gallaher,  John  Smith,  Adam 
Smith,  Jacob  Will,  John  Shenefelder,  John  Strasbaugh.  The  descendants  of 
a  few  of  these  yet  occupy  the  same  pews,  or  at  least  the  corresponding  lo- 
cation, as  new  pews  were  put  in  by  Fr.  Enders. 

Father  Villiger,  writing  fi-om  Paradise  in  1855  :  Buried  John  Dellone 
last  Dec,  and  early  in  the  spring  old  Mrs.  Noel  from  the  Pigeon  Hills.  Old 
Mr.  Alwine  returned  to  his  duties.  Miss  Cath.  Strasbaugh,  at  Mr.  Wise's, 
a  conyert,  desires  to  become  a  religious.  Aug.  9,  1856.— Fr.  Stonestreet  ap- 
points J.  B.  Cattani  Sup.  of  the  church  at  Boston,  of  which  we  have  charge 
for  the  Bishop,  to  succeed  Rev.  Ryder  (also  spelled  Reiter,  but  no  doubt  the 
same)  ;  Father  Lachat  to  take  Fr.  R. 's  place.  To  have  nothing  to  do  with 
anything  but  spiritual  matters.  1834,  June  25,  Joseph  Wehrner,  son  of  Ben- 
edict W.,  ofPhila.,  born  July  27,  1822,  apprenticed  to  Mat.  Lekeu,  Rector 
and  manager  at  Conewago,  until  he  is  17.  1855. — Paradise  Church  robbed 
of  its  remonstrance,  chalice  and  ciboriam.  Blessed  Sacrament  not  there. 
Fr.  Villiger,  pastor.  Michael  Noel  and  old  Mrs.  Brieghner  gave  him  money 
to  replace  them.  Jos.  Kuhn,  Frederick,  Peter  and  Michael  Dellone  presented 
chandelier,  worth  $60.  Peter  Noel  will  pay  the  half  for  stations  ;  Pius  FiE.k 
the  other  half.  Father  V.  adds  :  If  we  can  we  will  make  Paradise  look  like 
a  paradise.  Writing  to  a  friend  at  Frederick,  Father  Villiger  says  :  Freder- 
ick and  Peter  Dellone  send  respects  ;  also  Mr.  Will  and  his  amiable  family. 
He  is  getting  rich,  notwithstanding  his  liberality  ;  and  fat,  in  spite  of  his 
chewing  so  much  tobacco.  Father  Moranville,  one  of  the  early  priests  of 
Baltimore,  went  with  Mrs.  Harper,  daughter  of  Charles  Carroll,  of  Carroll- 
ton,  to  Berkeley  Springs  for  his  health.  Wrote  Aug.  20,  1823,  health  not 
much  improved.  In  1784,  Charles  Sewell,  S.  J.,  became  first  resident  pastor 
of  St.  Peter's,  Balto.  He  was  a  faithful  and  zealous  priest,  but  no  orator. 
He  was  at  Conewago  with  Father  Pellentz. 

Near  the  church  stands  a  large  mission  cross,  erected  in  1857,  by  the 
great  missionary,  Father  Weininger.  Father  Maguire,  and  others,  gave 
missions  at  Conewago.  The  galleries  at  Conewago  were  erected  about  Fath- 
er Lekeu's  time.  They  were  removed  by  Father  Domperio,  on  account  of 
the  opportunities  they  afforded  for  those  inclined  to  distraction.  The  old 
bell  at  Conewago  bears  this  inscription  :  v'  Andreas  Vanden  Cheyn,  me  fudit 
Lovanii  Anno  1816  ;  Ad  Majorem  Dei  Gloriam,  Dei  Paroque  Virginis 
Mariae."  It  is  no  doubt  one  of  the  many  confiscated  church  and  convent 
bells  brought  to  this  country  in  the  revolutionary  days  of  Europe.     Some  of 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  171 

them  found  their  way  to  Protestant  churches.  One  so  in  use  at  Gettysburg, 
has  the  inscription  :  kt  Maria  de  la  Concepciun,  per  tvam  immaculatam  Dei 
Genetrix,  Virgo  defende  nos  ab  hoste  maligno,  1788. ,1  When  the  new  steeple 
was  finished  at  Conewago,  the  bell  was  pulled  up  into  its  place  with  ropes, 
by  the  boys  then  at  Father  Deneckere's  school.  Conewago  is  more  or  less 
connected  \vith  the  mystery  of  Wizard  Clip,  in  Virginia,  but  as  we  have 
nothing  new  to  throw  additional  light  on  the  affair,  not  much  account  will 
be  given  of  it  ;  Father  Finotti  has  left  full  particulars  in  his  Wizard  Clip. 
Father  Gallitzin  wrote  an  account  of  it  when  at  Conewago,  after  having  giv- 
en it  a  full  investigation.  His  sketch  was  given  out  to  read,  and  has  never 
been  heard  of  since.  Some  of  the  clipped  clothes  were  brought  to  Conewa- 
go, and  attracted  so  much  notoriety  that  to  avoid  the  importunities  of  the 
curious,  Father  Lekeu  had  them  burned.  Father  Mulledy,  when  a  scholas- 
tic at  Conewago.  saw  them  ;  so  did  Mr.  Peter  Smith,  now  dead,  and  others. 
Father  Finotti  was  an  Italian  priest,  with  considerable  patrimony,  which  he 
employed  in  his  Catholic  history  researches.  His  collection  of  Catholic  books 
and  authors  of  America  is  a  valuable  work,  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  the 
second  part  was  never  finished.  He  had  written  a  history  of  the  church  in 
Virginia,  unfortunately  destroyed  by  an  accident.  What  a  valuable  addition 
it  would  be  to  our  Catholic  history  V  what  labors  it  cost  ?  what  sad  regrets  to 
him  who  valued  it  more  than  gold  or  silver  ?  Father  Finotti  died  from  an  ac- 
cident, in  California,  about  1878— see  sketch  in  his  Wizard  Clip.  His  library, 
a  valuable  collection  of  rare  books  and  pamphlets,  treating  on  Catholic  local 
history,— the  work  of  a  life-time  at  a  cost  of  nearly  all  he  possessed,— was 
sold  at  public  auction  in  New  York  in  1879,  and  scattered  to  the  four  windb 
of  the  earth.  Though  a  stranger  to  this  country,  he  sought  under  many  dif- 
ficulties to  reclaim  our  early  history,  and  by  his  interest  and  labors  did  a 
great  deal  to  create  a  taste  and  a  desiie  on  the  part  of  Catholics  to  have  the 
early  history  of  their  church  preserved.  Let  the  name  of  Finotti  stand 
among  the  first  of  our  Catholic  historians. 

The  novices  of  the  Society  of  Jesus  in  Frederick  taught  the  colored  chil- 
dren the  catechism  and  gave  the  colored  people  instructions  in  ante-bellum 
days.  The  Oblate  Sisters  of  Providence,  colored,  were  established  in  Balti- 
more in  1829,  by^  Father  Joubert,  a  priest  from  San  Domingo.  In  slavery 
times,  the  colored  people  had  their  part  in  the  churches  through  Maryland, 
where  they  attended  services. 

Bishop  Kain,  of  Wheeling,  opened  the  W.  Va.  Senate  with  prayer  dur- 
ing legislative  session  of  1885;  he  also  made  the  invocation  when  Gov.  E. 
W.  Wilson  was  inaugurated,  March  4th  of  that  year.  Bishop  Keane.  of 
Richmond,  was  called  upon  to  open  the  Virginia  House  of  Delegates  with 
prayer,  March  17th,  1879  ;  the  first  time  within  recollection  that  a  Catholic 
prelate  was  so  called  upon  in  that  State. 

The  consecration  of  Rev.  J.  J.  Keane,  Bishop  of  Richmond,  took  place  in 
St.  Peter's  Cathedral,  Richmond,  Aug.  25th,  1878.  Archbishop  Gibbons  was 
the  celebrant  ;  Rev.  A.  Van  de  Vyver,  of  Harper's  Ferry,  Deacon  of  the 
Mass ;  Archiepiscopal  Cross-Bearer,  Rev.  J.  J.  Doherty,  of  Martinsburg  ; 
among  the  Bearers  of  Offerings,  was  Rev.  Hugh  J.  McKeefry,  then  of  Key- 
ser  ;  present  as  a  Seminarian,  Father  Frioli,  now  of  Keyser.  Bishop  Lynch, 
of  Charleston,  delivered  the  consecration  sermon,  from  which  the  following 
is  taken  : 


172  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

In  the  Diocese,  over  which  he  has  been  appointed  to  preside,  he  has  had 
apostolic  predecessors.  Its  first  Bishop  was  Rt.  Rev.  Patrick  Kelly.  Learn- 
ed, pious,  mild  and  amiable,  coming  at  his  age,  and  coming  from  a  profes- 
sional chair,  and  finding  what  was,  ecclesiastically  speaking,  a  wilderness 
before  him,  with.  I  believe,  only  two  priests  in  the  entire  State,  he  found 
himself  unable  to  meet  the  hard  physical  work  there  required  of  a  pioneer 
Bishop.  Still  he  labored  on  until  called  to  a  more  congenial  field.  He  was 
transferred,  in  1822,  to  the  See  of  Waterford.  For  nineteen  years  he  had  no 
successor,  and  the  church  of  Virginia  was  administered  by  the  Archbishop  of 
Baltimore. 

"  In  1841,  Richard  Vincent  Whelan  came  as  second  Bishop,  young,  active, 
zealous,  learned,  with  a  large  measure  of  that  American  tact  which  enables 
a  man  to  look  at  difficulties  undismayed,  to  rejoice  at  and  overcome  obsta- 
cles, to  understand  the  needs  and  the  circumstances  surrounding  him,  and 
to  undertake  any  work  that  may  come  before  him.  No  wonder  that  in  ten 
years  the  Church  had  so  grown  that  the  Diocese  of  Richmond  might  well  be 
divided  into  two.  Bishop  Whelan  took  the  new  See  of  Wheeling,  and  his 
place  in  Richmond  was  filled  by  Right  Rev.  John  McGill,  your  third  Bishop. 
Of  him  what  shall  I  say.  I  knew  him  too  well,  I  honored  him  too  highly,  I 
loved  him  too  dearly,  to  allow  roe  to  speak  of  him  without  emotion.  You 
cannot  forget  him.  Learned,  eloquent,  gifted  with  intellectual  powers  of 
the  highest  grade,  he  was  respected  by  all, — while  his  earnest  piety  and  the 
loveable,  almost  childlike  simplicity  and  gentleness  of  his  character,  his  di- 
rectness in  all  things,  and  his  boundless  charity  of  heart  could  not  but  force 
all  that  knew  him  to  love  him.  For  twenty-two  years  he  ruled  the  Diocese, 
and  it  prospered.  He  has  passed  away  full  of  years,  and  his  memory  is  still 
sweet  among  us.  Of  the  fourth  Bishop  I  am  forbidden  to  speak.  For  he  is 
present  in  that  sanctuary.  That  he  had  so  administered  another  office  as  to 
be  chosen  to  fill  the  vacant  chair  of  Bishop  McGill,  and  that  he  so  adminis- 
tered this  Diocese  of  Richmond  as  after  a  few  years  to  be  chosen  to  occupy, 
as  he  does,  the  highest  episcopal  chair  in  the  hierarchy  of  the  United  States. 
Long  may  he  worthily  preside  over  the  venerable  Metropolitan  Church  of 
Baltimore." 

The  old  organ  which  was  used  in  Old  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Phila.,  as 
early  as  1748,  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Catholic  Church  at  Chambers- 
burg,  Pa.,  where  it  was  used  as  late  as  1875,  and  may  be  yet.  It  is  said  to 
be  the  first  organ  used  in  the  U.  S.  It  was  used  on  several  great  occasions 
during  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  no  doubt  is  the  same  one  alluded  to  by 
Kalm,  the  Swedish  traveler. 

In  Nov.,  1879,  anew  roof  was  put  on  Conewago  Chapel,  the  old  one 
having  been  on  since  1848. 

In  March,  1878,  the  contract  was  awarded  to  Pius  Smith,  dec'd,  for 
building  the  new  brick  house  on  the  farm,  below  the  Chapel.  This  contrac- 
tor did  a  great  deal  of  work  for  the  Jesuits  at  their  College,  Woodstock. 

May  26,  1878,  Mrs.  Joanna  Sullivan,  mother  of  Father  Sullivan,  was  bur- 
ied this  week  at  Conewago,  aged  about  86  years.  Peter  Shanefelter.  pension- 
er of  the  war  of  1812,  died  May  27,  1878,  aged  86.  He  was  of  the  same  fam- 
ily as  was  Father  Shanefelter.  of  Goshenhoppen  and  the  eastern  part  of  Pa., 
in  the  beginning  of  this  century. 

Father  DeBarth,  an  Alsacian  bj-  birth,  was  the  second  son  of  Count  Jo- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  173 

seph  DeBarth,  of  a  noble  family  for  many  generations  Catholic.  His  brother, 
the  late  General  E.  Walbach,  was  John  DeBarth  Baron  de  Walbach,  and 
when  expatriated  from  France  retained  the  name  of  Walbach.  This  explains 
the  difference  of  names  of  the  two  brothers. 

In  1803,  Rev.  Michael  Egan,  O.  S.  A.,  attended  Lancaster  from  Conewa- 
go, where  he  had  been  assistant  to  Father  DeBarth.  He  became  the  first 
Bishop  of  Philadelphia,  consecrated  Oct.  28th,  1810.  He  died  in  1814,  and 
was  succeeded  in  1820  by  Bishop  Conwell.  In  this  interim  Father  DeBarth 
acted  as  administrator  of  the  Diocese. 

The  name  of  Rev.  John  Blox  appears  on  the  Register  at  Conewago  about 
1840  or  '50.     He  was  an  assistant  at  St.  Joseph's,  Philadelphia,  in  1845. 

Father  Rey  was  killed  in  Mexico  in  the  war  of  1846.  He  went  there  with 
Father  McElroy  as  volunteer  chaplains  of  the  U.  S.  Army. 

Father  Vespre  died  March  26th,  1860. 

In  March,  1862,  Father  Lilly  died  at  Philadelphia. 

In  Father  DeBarth 's  time,  the  extensive  bottom  lands  along  the  creeks 
were  well  cultivated  and  yielded  the  best  crops.  After  him  they  were  left 
grow  wild  until  reclaimed  by  Father  Enders.  In  old  times,  as  high  as  thirty 
and  forty  mowers  were  at  work,  coming  together  from  different  parts  of  the 
parish  and  giving  their  labor  gratuitously.  It  was  customaiy  in  those  days 
to  set  out  drink  for  the  hands,  though  drunkenness  was  not  as  common  then 
as  now.  In  this  respect  Father  DeBarth  was  very  strict.  A  man,  becoming 
drunk  while  thus  working  one  day,  quit  his  work  and  fell  asleep.  When 
Father  DeBarth  saw  him,  he  commanded  the  men  to  haul  him  up  to  the 
house  and  placed  in  one  of  the  pig  pens,  saying  that  as  he  made  himself 
like  unto  a  swine,  he  should  keep  like  company. 

Corpus  Christi,  1876,  Bishop  Shanahan  present  at  Procession.  In  Catho- 
lic countries  on  this  day,  the  streets  of  the  towns  and  the  public  roads  are 
strewn  with  flowers  and  evergreens,  as  the  Blessed  Sacrament  is  carried 
along  in  Procession — a  devotion  intended  to  draw  the  blessings  of  God  upon 
the  growing  harvests  and  the  budding  fruits  of  the  earth,— a  blessing  in 
which  the  Valley  of  the  Coneu^ago  has  always  liberally  shared.  This  pious 
practice  was  instituted  at  Conewago  by  F.  X.  Deneckere.  S.  J.,  when  he  first 
came,  and  continued  until  late  years,  when  it  had  to  be  discontinued  on  ac- 
count of  the  thousands  of  people  it  annually  attracted  and  the  public  show 
they  made  out  of  it  by  their  irreverence.  Father  Deneckere  spared  no  labor 
in  making  it  grand  and  inspiring.  The  altars  were  arranged  at  a  distance 
from  the  church  and  one  in  the  church-yard.  They  rivaled  in  beauty  and 
adornment  the  altars  of  many  a  church.  The  Blessed  Sacrament  was  carried 
under  a  splendid  canopy  ;  acolytes  preceded  and  children  strewed  the  road 
with  flowers  ;  choristers  dressed  in  white,  young  men  and  women  bearing 
banners,  emblems  and  statues,  followed,  and  thousands  of  people  came  after, 
reciting  the  rosary.  At  each  altar,  the  Benediction  would  be  given,  while 
the  organ  played,  the  choirs  sang,  bells  were  rung,  and  where  the  incense 
arose  little  children  scattered  flowers  with  their  innocent  hands  ;  not  unfre- 
quently  bands  played  and  volleys  were  fired.  Among  the  most  beautiful  of 
the  altars  was  that  of  Miss  Sally  Lilly,  erected  near  her  house,  every  year 
that  the  Procession  was  held  Poor  Father  Deneckere  !  it  gave  him  more 
pleasure  to  thus  render  honor  and  glory  to  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  than  to 
have  participated  in  the  grandest  demonstrations  of  men. 


174  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

July  4th,  1876,  High  Mass  in  commemoration  of  the  100th  anniversary  of 
American  Independence.  By  permission  of  Father  Enders,  the  American 
flag  waved  from  the  steeple  of  the  church.  The  priests  were  never  found 
wanting  in  loyalty  and  patriotism,  as  far  as  right  with  their  sacred  calling, 
and  consistent.  At  the  death  of  a  President,  or  for  any  other  national  calam- 
ity, the  bells  of  Catholic  Churches  toll  in  sympathy,  and  from  Catholic  altars 
a  sacrifice  is  offered  in  mediation  or  atonement. 

Aug.,  1876,  Father  Coppens,  S.  J.,  gave  a  mission  in  Hanover. 

1877,  Dec.  23d,  Mass  said  on  B.  V.  altar,  on  account  of  work  on  marble 
altar.  Father  Brady,  Provincial,  said  Mass  and  spoke.  1877,  June  3d,  fif- 
tieth anniversary  of  Pius  Ninth's  episcopate  and  31st  of  his  Pontificate  ;  many 
Communions, — plenary  indulgence. 

New  Year's  morning,  1878,  first  Mass  said  on  marble  altar  by  the  vener- 
able Superior,  Father  Enders. 

1878,  April  27th,  masons  commenced  work  on  the  new  brick  house  at 
the  Chapel  ;  old  stone  building  torn  away  ;  was  doubtless  erected  by  Father 
Pellentz. 

1878,  May  5th.  Father  Deneckere  preached  on  the  Month  of  Mary,  a  beau- 
tiful and  touching  sermon — his  streaming  locks  of  silver  gray  flowed  grace- 
fully on  his  shoulders  :  and  though  his  hands  trembled,  his  voice  was  strong 
and  clear,  as  he  extolled  the  praises  of  the  Mother  of  God,  exhorted  his 
hearers  to  be  faithful  and  obedient  children  and  follow  in  the  footsteps  of 
her  Divine  Son.  Well  do  I  remember  the  holy  severity,  edifying  life  and 
faithful  teachings  of  this  venerable  Jesuit.  1878,  Decoration  Day,  Maj.  Jen- 
kins Post  G.  A.  R.,  of  Hanover,  decorated  graves  in  Conewago  Cemetery  ; 
Father  Deneckere  made  address — a  beautiful  comparison  between  the  chris- 
tian warrior  and  the  soldier  of  the  world  ;  favorably  impressed  all  present. 
1878,  June  9th,  Father  Brady,  Provincial,  preached.  June  23d,  Father 
Haugh,  of  Frederick,  delivered  sermon  on  the  Real  Presence.  July  4th, 
Lewis  Will  died,  at  an  advanced  age.  He  farmed  Paradise  Church  a  num- 
ber of  years  ;  his  brother  and  his  father,  Charley  and  Jacob,  lived  on  the 
Conewago  farm  for  many  years,  from  about  1830.  Before  them,  the  land 
was  farmed  by  the  Superiors,  who  had  men  hired  to  do  the  work,  especially 
teamstering.  John  Weaver  became  tenant  after  the  Wills,  and  remained 
fifteen  years  ;  James  Devine  is  now  on  the  farm  almost  that  long,  if  not  lon- 
ger. This  is  the  oldest  farm-house  on  the  Chapel  land,  which  originally 
comprised  a  section,  or  640  acres.  The  old  barn  was  blown  down  in  1825, 
and  rebuilt.  The  second  house  and  barn  were  built  forty  years  ago,  along 
the  McSherrystown  road  ;  John  Small,  first  tenant,  remained  until  1876  ;  his 
sons,  John  and  Ignatius,  succeeded  ;  in  1881,  Ignatius  took  the  farm,  and 
soon  after  married  a  daughter  of  James  Devine.  Good  farmers  are  never 
removed.  When  the  third  farm-house  and  barn  were  built  along  the  Han- 
over road,  about  five  years  ago,  John,  son  of  James  Devine,  became  the  far- 
mer. 1878,  July,  the  marble  altar  was  taken  down  ;  foundations  gave  way, 
owing  to  intense  cold  weather  when  first  erected.  July  10th,  Frederick  Del- 
lone  died  and  was  buried  at  Paradise  ;  was  near  80,  and  a  good  Catholic  to 
the  church  for  a  life-time.  His  father  was  Michael,  and  his  grand-father 
Nicholas,  who  came  to  the  Abbottstown  settlement  from  France,  returned 
and  came  again.  1878,  collections  for  relief  of  Yellow  Fever  sufferers.  Sept. 
23d,  Nicholas  Fleigle  died,  aged  over  80.     Mr.  O'Neill  relates  that  when  he 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  175 

lived  at  the  church  about  fifty  years  ago,  a  man  and  woman  were  observed 
one  day  praying  before  the  church,  with  extended  arms.  Father  Lekeu 
learned  that  they  were  fulfilling  a  vow  made  during  a  storm  at  sea,  where 
they  lost  a  child.  He  assisted  them  to  settle  near  Conewago  ;  they  were 
good  Catholics  and  industrious  people,  and  their  children's  children  are  now 
scattered  through  the  parish.  The  early  pastors  of  Conewago  interested 
themselves  in  getting  poor  emigrants  to  settle  in  the  Valley,  and  in  some  in- 
stances put  up  temporary  shelter  in  the  church-yard  until  homes  could  be 
secured  for  them.  Oct.,  1878,  statues  placed  in  the  vacant  niches  in  the 
walls.  Oct.  13th,  Bishop  Shanahan  confirmed  101  bDys,  96  girls.  Cave  good 
instruction  to  parents  and  children  ;  warned  them  against  evil  literature 
scattered  broadcast  now-a-days.  He  gave  Communion.  Oct.  20th,  Father 
McGurk  preached.  Nov.  20th.  Father  Emig  preached  funeral  sermon  of 
Miss  Annie  O'Bold.  Dec.  8th,  Father  Casey  preached  his  first  sermon  at 
Conewago.  Mat.  Dolan  died  this  day.  Feast  of  Blessed  Virgin  ;  he  was  one 
of  Father  Deneckere 's  school-boys.  Father  Jamieson  preached  at  funeral  of 
Mrs.  Stormbaugh  in  Jan..  1877. 

Death  of  Father  Deneckere.— Epiphany,  1879,  Rev.  F.  X.  Deneckere 
very  sick  at  Littlestown  ;  Father  Enders  went  up  to  see  him.  Saturday, 
Jan.  4th,  1879  was  a  piercing  cold  day,— raining;,  blowing  and  freezing. 
Father  Enders,  Superior,  did  not  want  Father  Deneckere  to  go,  but  he  drove 
to  Littlestown,  and  was  nearly  frozen  when  he  got  there.  He  lost  his  way 
or  was  confused  and  benumbed  by  the  icy  rain  and  cold  ;  and  stopping  to 
ask  the  road,  wo  aid  not  allow  those  who  directed  him  to  go  along  and  drive, 
saying  it  was  too  cold  for  them  to  be  out.  He  would  not  remain  with  any 
of  his  congregation  at  Littlestown,  but  went  to  the  church  where  he  had 
his  sleeping  apartment  in  one  of  the  sacristies.  There  he  was  found  sick 
and  was  properly  cared  for.  Father  Enders  arrived  the  next  day  and  ad- 
ministered the  Sacraments.  He  died  Wednesday,  Jan.  8th,  1879.  His  re- 
mains were  put  in  a  neat  coffin  and  placed  before  the  altar.  Thursday  after- 
noon he  was  taken  to  Conewago,  and  interred  in  a  vault  under  the  altar, 
Friday  morning  at  9  o'clock,  during  a  High  Mass  of  Requiem.  Father 
Casey  said  the  Mass,  and  Father  Euders  made  a  few  remarks.  He  said  it 
was  not  customary  for  one  of  a  family  to  proclaim  the  good  deeds  of  anoth- 
er. As  there  was  a  large  congregation  present,  he  could  not  help  but  say  a 
few  words.  Many  years  ago  he  and  Father  Deneckere  were  appointed  on 
the  Maryland  missions,  where  they  labored  together  ;  sometimes  in  the  sad- 
dle day  and  night,  attending  sick  calls  and  other  duties  of  the  missions. 
They  were,  with  another  Father,  (Cotting.)  removed  to  Conewago,  where 
they  had  five  missions  to  attend,— Conewago.  York.  Littlestown,  Paradise 
and  Gettysburg.  God  prospered  their  labors,  and  since  that  many  new  con- 
gregations have  sprung  up  around  them.  They  had  been  sent  to  other  fields 
several  times,  but  as  often  returned  to  "  patch  up  "  the  old  structure  ;  and 
liow  as  their  days  are  being  numbered,  they  have  no  other  desire  but  to  find 
rest  near  the  altar  where  they  served.  [Poor  Father,  even  that  consolation 
was  denied  him,  for  he  died  and  was  buried  at  Frederick.]  Lastly,  he 
would  fulfill  the  dying  request  of  the  late  beloved  Father,  namely,  to 
beg  for  him  of  the  congregation  and  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  dur- 
ing his  life,  pardon  for  any  offence  he  may  have  given  them,  and  to  ask  all 
to  pray  for  him.     Father  Deneckere  was  a  devoted  teacher,  and  though  ad- 


176  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

vised  by  his  Superior  to  give  up  his  school  on  account  of  his  increasing  age 
and  infirmities,  he  would  not,  but  gave  lessons  yet  to  one  poor  boy  even  up 
to  his  death.  He  loved  his  school  next  to  his  sacred  calling,  saying  that  if 
he  gained  one  addition  to  the  priesthood,  all  his  labors  would  be  fully  re- 
paid. Eternal  rest  give  unto  him,  O  Lord,  and  let  perpetual  light  shine 
upon  him.  May  he  rest  in  peace,  Amen.  Rev.  F.  X.  Deneckere  was  a 
brother  of  Rev.  Hippolytte  Deneckere,  who  was  six  or  eight  years  his  junior. 
Rev.  F.  X.  Deneckere  was  a  student  all  his  life,  and  while  he  taught  his  boys 
at  Conewago,  he  himself  took  lessons  in  German  from  Father  Enders,  toper- 
feet  himself  more  in  that  language.  Besides  French,  his  mother  tongue,  he 
spoke  English  and  Latin  as  well,  and  was  a  good  Greek  scholar.  His  name 
from  the  French  is  properly  spelled  tk  De  Necker,"but  we  have  followed  his 
own  way  of  writing  it  "  Deneckere.' ' 

1879,  Jan.  25th,  Rey.  Geo.  Villiger  came  to  Conewago  to  take  Father 
Deneckere's  place.     May  25th,  Fathers  Casey  and  Emig  gave  the  Jubilee. 

Procession  on  Corpus  Christi  ;  large  crowds,  not  the  best  order  ;  Super- 
ior preached  of  the  want  of  respect  and  reverence  for  holy  things. 

Dec.  13th,  Sister  Amelia  (McSherry,)  buried  at  St.  Joseph's  Convent,  Mc- 
Sherrystown.  1880.  Feb.,  collections  for  famine  sufferers  in  Ireland  ;  Sis- 
ters collected  aid,  seeds,  &c,  and  sent  to  friends  in  need.  No  procession 
this  year ;  Father  Dufour  preached  on  Corpus  Christi.  Decoration  Day, 
May  30th,  Rev.  Dufour  made  address  in  Conewago  Cemetery,  and  Ed.  S. 
Reily  at  Mt.  Olivet,  Hanover.  July  18th.  Father  Flanigan  went  to  Bonneau- 
ville,  Rev.  Shanahan,  its  pastor,  being  absent  on  a  visit  to  Ireland.  Father 
Enders  announced  that  Sisters  intended  building  a  larger  chapel  ;  old  chap- 
el was  too  small  and  unhealthy. 

Aug.  1st,  Father  Archambault  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Conewago  ; 
is  to  succeed  Father  Casey  at  Oxford  and  Paradise.  He  went  to  finish  his 
studies  ;  was  an  energetic  young  priest  ;  hed  the  churches  in  his  charge  re- 
painted and  improved. 

Aug.,  1880,  letter  from  Father  Dufour.  from  Louisiana,  to  a  friend  ;  re- 
quests prayers  for  several  converts  that  they  may  remain   steadfast  in   the 

faith . 

Oct.  17th,  Father  Gutti,  of  Philadelphia,  said  early  Mass 

Christmas,  seven  Masses,  over  1000  Communicants.  Library  remodeled, 
catalogued  and  put  in  order.  Have  a  very  large  library,  many  rare  and  val- 
uable works.  The  Little  Chapel  is  used  for  a  library.  There  used  to  be 
nothing  but  a  small  passage  connect  the  church  with  the  priests1  house. 
Father  Enders,  about  1870,  had  it  enlarged  and  a  beautiful  altar  erected 
therein,  where  he  said  Mass  in  winter,  and  had  his  confessional  in  the  room 
adjoining, — a  room  long  occupied  by  Father  DeBarth.  whde  the  front  room 
adjoining  was  used  by  Father  Lekeu.  Father  Manns'  confessional  is  unaer 
the  north  gallery  steps  ;  Father  Deneckere 's  was  the  first  in  the  south  wing, 
and  the  one  nearest  the  Sanctuary  was  used  by  Father  Enders  and  different 
priests.  For  twenty-five  years,  Father  Manns  has  never  been  away  from  his 
confessional  on  church  days,  and  oftentimes  is  found  there,  praying,  when 
there  is  no  one  about.  He  is  a  great  confesssor.  The  room  adjoining  the 
parlor  was  occupied  by  Father  Enders  as  Supeiior.  The  house  was  plainly 
furnished  under  him.  His  room  had  nothing  but  the  necessary  furniture, 
a  folding  cot,  erected  in  a  boarded  up  doorway,  was  opened  out  and  arrang- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  177 

ranged  for  him  by  Brother  Donohue  in  the  evening,  and  in  the  morning 
closed  up  again  Under  Father  Foran,  the  house  has  been  remodeled  and 
refurnished.  Father  Deneckere's  room  was  above  the  parlor.  Those  who 
were  in  it  once  will  never  forget  the  various  collection  of  invention,  science, 
toys,  mechanism,  &c,  which  he  had  in  use,  some  lor  one  purpose,  and  some 
for  another,  and  at  which  he  spent  the  very  few  leisure  moments  at  his  com- 
mand. The  Bishop's  room  was  diagonally  across  from  his.  The  rooms 
fronting  south  were  occupied,  one  by  Father  Manns,  the  rest  by  other  priests 
and  students,  as  they  came.  The  saintly  Brother  Donohue  occupied  the  at- 
tic. He  was  a  faithful  servant.  About  1884,  he  was  sent  to  Frederick,  his 
health  failing.  In  another  attic  room  was  stored  the  ;t  old  library. "  It  was 
a  valuable  collection  of  books,  probably  brought  together  by  the  priests  and 
accumulated  in  one  way  or  another.  There  are  thousands  of  books  out  of 
use  and  print  now,  old  Bibles,  and  treatises  on  theology,  philosophy,  and 
various  commentaries  by  the  old  scholars  ana  masters.  They  are  in  all  lan- 
guages ;  some  printed  as  early  as  the  sixteenth  century. 

In  the  spring  of  1885,  the  small  (old)  window  glass  in  the  church  was 
taken  out  and  modern  glass  put  in,  some  stained.  Aug.  29th,  1885.  the 
work  of  enlarging  the  priests'  house  nearly  completed.  The  building  is  now 
three-story  all  around,  with  a  French  roof,  and  a  large  porch  fronting  the 
churchyard. 

During  vacation  at  the  Convent  in  McSherrystown  this  summer,  the  old 
day  school  houses  were  torn  down  and  new  ones  erected.  Sister  Pat- 
rick, who  has  charge  of  the  boys'  school,  collected  the  funds  herself  to  build 
the  new  school  house,  and  assisted  in  the  work  of  building  with  her  own 
hands.  She  is  an  energetic  Irish  Sister,  a  great  favorite  as  a  teacher  with 
the  boys. 

Will  of  Charles  Hughes,  made  Feb.  7th.  1831.  witnessed  by  C.  Paulus 
Kohlman,  S.  J.,  and  Andrew  McManus.  Wills  to  Father  ,w  Lague  "  (Lekeu) 
*■  all  due  him  "  and  his  weaver's  loom.  He  lived  in  one  of  the  small  houses 
below  the  hill  at  the  Chapel.  His  father's  name  was  Patrick  ;  he  died  near 
Abbottstown,  and  was  carried  to  Conewago  by  his  sons.  Charles  Hughes 
had  a  weaver  shop  near  Bonaughtown;  there  Peter  Smith,  (dec'd,  at  the  age 
of  86.)  learned  his  trade. 

To  all  people,  to  whom  these  presents  shall  or  may  come:  I.,  Francis  I- 
Neale,  of  Georgetown,  Dist.  Col.,  send  Greeting.  Whereas,  I,  the  said  Fran- 
cis I.  Neale,  by  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Rev.  Robert  Molyneaux,  be- 
came heir  to  an  estate  in  Conewago  Twp.,  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  lately  held  by 
the  Rev.  James  Pellentz,  and  now  in  occupation  by  Rev.  Lewis  DeBarth,  &c. . 
filed  in  the  Register's  office  for  the  city  and  county  of  Phila.,  &c,  I  do  here- 
by constitute,  &c.  Rev.  Lewis  DeBarth,  of  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  my  lawful  at- 
torney, &c.  Signed  June  21st,  1811.  R.  Mclllhenney,  John  Larentz,  James 
McSheny,  Franz  Marshall,  witnesses. 

Francis  Neale,  of  Charles  Co.,  Md.,  appointed  Rev.  Matthew  Lekeu  his 
attorney  for  the  Conewago  property,  signed  in  the  City  of  Washington,  July 
24th,  1828  ;  acknowledged  before  Geo.  Naylor,  J.  P.  ;  attested  by  Wm. 
Brent,  clerk  of  Circuit  Court ;  Certified  by  W.  Cranch,  Chief  Judge  Circuit 
Court;  and  by  "  H.  Clay." 

The  following  tradition  comes  down  to  us  through  good  and  intelligent 
people  of  Conewago  '.  One  of  the  ancestors  of  the  Marshalls,  Jacob  or  Joseph, 


178  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

was  a  close  man  and  self-willed.  He  had  one  son  a  priest,  and  one  or  two 
were  Brothers.  His  daughter  desired  to  become  a  religious,  but  the  father 
would  not  consent ;  all  her  entreaties  were  in  vain.  She  was  a  young  girl, 
very  good  in  every  way,  and  had  never  been  away  from  home.  After  fruit- 
less prayers  and  entreaties,  she  left  her  father's  house  one  night,  and  made 
her  way  in  the  direction  of  Westminster.  Dense  forests  then  covered  most 
parts  of  the  country,  and  she  was  soon  lost,  not  knowing  which  way  to  go. 
Recommending  herself  to  the  care  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  she  continued  her 
journey,  when  a  young  man  came  riding  along  on  a  snow  white  horse,  and 
asked  her  where  she  was  going.  She  told  him  her  story,  and  he  assisted  her 
to  mount  tbe  horse  with  him,  nothing  uncommon  in  those  days.  After  rid- 
ing all  day,  he  halted  his  horse  before  an  humble-looking  house,  and  told 
her  they  were  at  the  Sisterhood  she  wished  to  enter,  and  she  was  kindly  re- 
ceived by  the  good  nuns.  The  young  man  rode  off,  no  one  knew  whither. 
Even  if  the  young  man  was  only  a  traveler  passing  the  way,  she  had  reason 
to  thank  God  for  her  guidance  and  protection. 

Years  ago,  Conewago  was  called  the  Chapel  of  the  Blue  Spring,  but  the 
name  was  never  very  generally  accepted.  A  young  student  at  Dickinson, 
named  Barnitz,  from  Hanover,  wrote  a  romantic  story  about  1840,  entitled 
The  Recluse  of  the  Conewago,  in  which  he  uses  the  expression  "•  Blue  Spring 
Chapel."  The  Blue  Spring  is  a  strong  stream  of  water,  issuing  from  the 
limestone  rocks  in  the  church  bottom,  below  the  Chapel,  and  flowing  into 
the  Conewago.  The  water  has  a  bluish  cast,  and  hundreds  of  feet  of  rope 
let  down  failed  to  reach  any  bottom.  There  are  large  fish  in  it.  It  seems  to 
be  more  or  less  affected  by  tbe  actions  of  the  tide,  and  has  never  been  known 
to  go  dry.  The  students  had  a  boat  on  it,  and  it  has  always  been  something 
of  an  attraction.  Such  caves,  springs  or  sink  holes  are  common  in  lime- 
stone countries. 

From  a  diary  kept  by  one  of  the  Fathers  at  Conewago,  from  Feb..  1844, 
to  Oct.,  1846,  we  glean  some  interesting  notes.  The  writer  evidently  was  a 
German,  and  was  either  Father  Steinbacher,  or  Dietz. 

In  the  month  of  February.  1844.  Father  Nicholas  Steinbacher,  in  his  47th 
j ear,  the  24th  of  his  priesthood,  and  the  12th  of  his  admission  to  the  Society, 
was  transferred  from  Goshenhoppen  to  Conewago,  by  the  Provincial,  Father 
J.  Ryder.  The  resident  priests  at  Conewago  were,  Fathers  Philip  Anthony 
Sacchi,  Roger  Joseph  Dietz  and  Rev.  F.  X.  Kendeler.  a  secular  priest.  That 
was  the  time  Father  Thomas  Lilly  was  sent  there  to  adjust  theviold  accounts'" 
of  Father  Lekeu.  who  had  been  an  easy  manager,  having  allowed  long 
standing  accounts  without  settlement.  The  first  Provincial  of  the  Society 
for  the  Province  of  Maryland  was  Rev.  Wm.  McSherry.  S.  J.,  and  prior  to 
that  there  were  no  Visitors  to  examine  the  accounts  and  to  keep  business 
matters  straight  as  they  now  do.  At  that  time  much  of  the  Society's  busi- 
ness management  in  other  places  was  not  so  systematically  conducted  as  it 
is  now.  No  blame  is  attached  to  the  Superiorship  of  Father  Lekeu.  except 
that  he  was  too  easy  in  conducting  business.  He  is  remembered  as  a  kind 
and  generous  priest,  who  tried  to  make  all  around  him  happy.  Conewago 
gained  more  through  his  labors  and  the  liberality  of  his  friends  in  France, 
than  the  Society  lost  by  his  want  of  financial  ability.  He  was  removed  to 
White  Marsh,  where  his  health  suffered.     His  Superiors  said  he  might  re- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  179 

turn  to  Frauce,  where  he  died. 

1844,  May  13-Rev.  Kyle  came  here  from  Phila.,  after  the  burning  of  St. 
Augustine's  ;  remained  eight  days.  July  4,  Madame  Murphy  died  at  Mc- 
Sherrystown ;  she  is  the  fourth  nun  dying  there  since  its  commencement. 
Aug.  5,  Rev.  Fathers  Rey  and  Tuffer,  Messrs.  Earley,  McGuire,  McSherry, 
Lynch,  Gillespie  and  Kreighton,  Scholastics,  arrived  to  spend  vacation. 
They  held  services  at  the  adjoining  churches.  Father  Tiffer  (or  Tuffer) 
preached  his  first  sermon  at  Paradise.  Sept.  11,  Bishop  Kenrick  arrived  to 
give  confirmation  at  our  churches.  Father  Steinbacher  used  to  be  gone  two 
weeks,  attending  the  Mountain  Church  and  doing  missionary  work  in  Nip- 
per's (also-  written  Nippero's)  Valley,  probably  somewhere  along  the  South 
Mountains.  The  other  Fathers  attended  McSherrystown,  Littlestown,  Get- 
tysbuig,  Paradise  and  the  home  church  ;  all  preached  English  and  German  ; 
sometimes  Father  Steinbacher  would  preach  English  and  German  at  one 
Mass  at  Conewago.  Oct.  Oth,  there  was  a  long  letter  from  Father  De  Smet, 
from  Lima  ;  he  is  in  excellent  health  ;  gives  a  very  interesting  account  of 
his  travels,  and  particularly  when  they  discovered  that  he  was  a  Jesuit ;  since 
they  had  not  seen  one  since  the  Suppression  of  the  Society.  Oct.  17,  Revs. 
Curry  and  McCloskey  called  here  on  their  way  to  McSherrystown  ;  will  say 
Mass  there  in  the  morning.  Oct.  22d,  Mass  was  said  for  the  repose  of  the 
soul  of  Father  DeBarth,  by  Father  Steinbacher.  23d,  Father  Ryder,  Provin- 
cial, arrived.  Will  leave  fur  Phila.  on  the  25th,  where  he  is  to  preach  a 
charity  eermon,  for  the  building  of  a  small  church  near  the  ruins  of  St. 
Augustine's.  Dec.  25,  Father  Steinbacher  said  Mass  at  midnight  at  McSher- 
rystown. 28th,  He  received  a  letter  from  Father  Fenwick.  announcing  the 
death  of  Father  Young  at  Alexandria.  1845,  Jan.  1st,  Wm.  Detrick,  a  school 
teacher,  became  a  convert  under  Fr.  Steinbacher.  Jan.  9th,  John  Smith 
buried,  Father  Steinbacher  played  the  organ.  15th,  The  Provincial,  Fr. 
Verhagen,  ordered  Fr.  Sacchi  to  Frederick  to  take  the  place  of  Fr.  Vespre. 
who  goes  to  Phila.  Father  S.  left  Feb.  7th  with  the  stage  to  Balto.,  where 
betakes  the  cars  to  Frederick.  Feb.  17th,  Samuel  Barber,  S.  J.,  arrived 
here  in  place  of  Fr.  Sacchi.  April  10,  Fathers  Provincial  and  Rey  arrived, 
will  go  to  Phila.  April  24,  sixteen  men  put  up  scaffolding  to  paint  the 
church.  28,  Messrs.  Monachesi  and  Uberti  here  from  Phila.  to  paint.  April 
30,  Father  Steinbacher  left  for  Reading  to  lay  the  corner-stone  of  a  new 
church.  May  1st,  an  altar  decorated  in  the  school  room,  where  Mass  will 
be  said  during  May,  as  the  painting  of  the  church  prevents  its  celebration 
there.  May  29th,  Father  Zocchi,  from  Taneytown,  paid  us  a  visit  and  took 
dinner.  June  11,  the  painters  finished  and  scaffolding  taken  down.  14, 
John  Nippers  and  Barlholomee,  Novices,  arrived  here  from  Frederick  for  a 
cow,  which  Father  Steinbacher  presented  to  the  Novitiate.  28th,  Brother 
Macarius,  of  the  Trappist  order,  from  Mount  Mallory,  County  Waterford, 
Ireland,  arrived  here,  he  got  §1000  in  two  weeks  at  Phila.  ;  he  got  about  $70 
at  Conewago,  $16  from  the  Boarders  and  $2.50  from  the  Mother.  July  7, 
Rev.  Galligher,  from  Brownsville,  came  to  collect  for  his  church.  14,  Rev. 
O'Hara,  of  Chambersburg,  stopped  with  us  a  few  days.  27,  Rev.  Myers, 
from  Washington,  said  Mass  and  preached.  Oct.  9,  Rev.  Kendler  left  for 
Milwaukee  ;  Father  Lynch  came  in  his  place.  (He  left  for  the  College  at 
Worcester,  Nov.  24th.)  Dec.  2,  Father  Provincial  by  order  of  the  Father 
General,  ordered  solemn  fast  for  suffering  Jesuits  in  Europe.     (Father  Gib- 


180  CONE W AGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

bons' name  now  mentioned.)  Dec.  12,  1845.  Father  Dietz  went  to  Taney- 
town  to  give  last  Sacraments  to  Father  Zocchi.  He  died  on  the  19th,  and 
Father  D.  sang  the  High  Mass  at  his  funeral  on  the  20th.  1846,  Jan.  15,  Rev. 
McCaffry  and  McClosky  paid  us  an  agreeable  visit.  Feb.  28,  1846,  Father 
Dietz  took  his  departure  ;  ordered  by  the  Provincial  to  Bohemia.  (Gave 
the  diary  to  Fr.  Gibbons.)  They  were  all  sorry  when  he  left,  except  Broth- 
er Quinlan  who  was  laughing.  March  15,  Father  Verhagen,  Prov.,  said 
Mass  and  preached.  16,  Fr.  Tuffer  ,k  arrived  here  to  take  charge  of  the  con- 
gregation.;'  (He  might  have  been  Superior  between  Frs.  Steinbacher  and 
Enders.)  April  2,  Brother  Patrick  Carroll  arrived  fioni  Georgetown.  4th, 
Bro.  Quinlan  left  for  Alexandria.  May  24,  Father  "  Vandevil  "  preached  at 
Conewago,  after  the  lapse  of  21  years  since  his  last  sermon  at  the  Chapel. 
June  10,  "  got  an  account  of  the  death  of  Brother  Quinlan,  by  letter  from 
Father  Coombs."  11,  Father  Samuel  Mulledy  preached  a  very  eloquent  ser- 
mon. July  12,  Brother  Marshall  arrived  from  Georgetown.  14,  Rev.  Mr. 
''Curry,1'  from  the  College,  paid  us  a  visit.  Aug.  2d,  Rev.  Mr.  "  Vero  " 
preached  panegyric  of  St.  Ignatius.  There  is  mention  of  a  Brother  Leary  at 
Conewago  at  this  time.  Aug.  20th,  Messrs.  McGuigan  aud  CCallahan,  schol- 
astics, left  here  for  Frederick.  (This  must  have  been  the  Father  O 'Callahan 
who  was  fatally  injured  on  a  vesssel  during  a  storm.)  Aug.  24th,  Messrs. 
Duddy  and  Gillespie  arrived  from  the  College  ;  Rev.  Messrs.  Jenkins  and 
Griffin,  from  the  Seminary,  paid  us  a  visit.  "  It  is  learned  that  old  Father 
Barber  has  arrived  safe  at  Georgetown  College." 

There  are  many  little  details  in  the  every-day  life  at  Conewago,  that 
would  be  interesting  to  many  of  our  readers,  but  space  forbids.  Father 
Dietz 's  strong  voice  is  playfully  referred  to  It  is  said  he  could  easily  be 
heard  down  at  the  Church  jard  gate,  while  reciting  the  Introibo  at  the  foot 
of  the  altar.  When  Edward  Reily,  Sr.,  died,  Father  Dietz  came  to  the  house 
and  walked  with  the  funeral  to  the  church  as  the  corpse  was  carried   there. 

Sunday,  Nov.  22d,  1885. — Spent  a  few  days  at  Conewago.  '  Last  Sunday 
the  mission  cross  erected  by  the  great  missionary,  Weininger,  about  35  years 
ago,  was  removed  from  the  north  side  of  the  church  to  the  rear  of  the  grave- 
yard, and  raised  there,  after  having  been  reincased  with  boards.  It  is  the 
intention  to  remove  the  priests  from  under  the  altar,  and  bury  them  around 
the  cross.  Many  a  prayer  was  said  at  the  foot  of  the  old  mission  cross.  It 
was  erected  in  1857. 

Father  Finnegan,  a  very  old  priest,  has  been  at  Conewago  since  1870. 
He  was  a  Maryland  priest,  born  in  Ireland,  and  ordained  by  Bishop  Mare- 
chal  in  1826.  His  mind  was  affected  for  some  years,  and  now  he  is  quite 
childish.  There  was  some  question  about  the  validity  of  his  ordination.  He 
was  a  learned  priest,  and  during  the  month  of  May,  we  remember  while  at 
school,  he  would  sing  the  office  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  every  morning  in  his 
room.  Every  Sunday  morning  he  would  feel  his  way  into  the  Sanctuary, 
a  venerable  looking  little  man  with  flowing  white  hair,  and  receive  Com- 
munion. He  seldom  spoke  to  anyone.  When  the  school  boys  did  him  any 
little  service  in  his  room,  they  would  some  times  take  advantage  of  the  occa- 
sion to  ask  assistance  in  their  lessons,  which  he  would  kindly  answer  in  a 
very  few  words,  but  say  nothing  more.  Poor  Brother  Donohue  took  great 
pleasure  in  assisting  the  boys  with  their  lessons,  for  which  he  received  many 
a  severe  scolding  from  Father  Deneckere.     Father  Di  Maria,  another  aged 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  181 

priest,  spent  a  few  years  at  Conewago  about  that  time,  and  found  great  pleas- 
ure in  taking  part  with  the  school  boys  in  their  play.  He  was  a  delightful 
old  Father,  smoking  his  long  meerschaum  pipe,  and  always  looking  for 
some  fun.  He  put  the  weather-vane  on  the  stable,  which  we  believe  is  still 
there.  He  was  fond  of  snow  birds  as  a  delicacy,  and  on  the  coldest  day  he 
might  be  seen  with  an  old  musket  looking  for  these  birds,  and  if  he  had  hit 
all  he  shot  at,  few  would  have  been  left.  Mrs.  Strausbaugh,  a  very  old  Ger- 
man woman,  lived  below  the  hill  at  that  time,  and  every  day  came  up  to  the 
church  to  pray.  Father  Di  Maria  thought  he  would  have  some  fun  with  her 
one  day,  and  began  telling  her  some  wonderful  story  he  had  made  up  for 
the  purpose.  Sh«  listened  earnestly,  then  walked  off.  saying,  "  Es  kent  sei, 
ovver  ich  glaubs  net,'"— It  might  be,  but  I  don't  believe  it.  The  joke  was 
turned,  and  the  Fathers  enjoyed  themselves  at  his  expense. 

In  looking  over  the  old  records,  not  much  additional  matter  was  found 
to  note.  Many  of  the  names  of  the  forefathers  of  the  families  now  living  in 
the  valley,  appear  in  baptismal,  marriage  and  death  records.  Their  publi- 
cation would  be  interesting  to  the  generations  now  living  at  Conewago,  and 
those  to  come.  To  prepare  and  publish  them  would  necessitate  great  labor 
and  expense.  Nicholas  Will  died  Jan.  1st,  1808.  doubtless  the  great-grand- 
father of  the  present  Wills  ;  so  with  the  Overbaughs.  Smalls.  Lillys,  Storms, 
Shorbs.  and  hundreds  of  the  early  settlers,  on  the  different  missions  attend- 
ed from  Conewago.  Lorenz  Gubernator  has  the  title  of  organist  after  his 
death  record.  He  must  have  conducted  some  kind  of  a  choir  in  old  times. 
John  L.  Gubernator  played  the  organ  in  Father  Lekeu's  time.  Father  Stein- 
bacher  changed  organists,  and  Anthony  Smith  took  his  place  Then  John 
S.  Brady  had  charge  of  the  choir  for  many  years.  Father  Forhan  had  a  new 
choir  organized,  with  David  Smith  as  organist,— a  son,  we  believe,  of  the  old 
organist. 

A  few  more  names  of  priests  were  found  on  the  records,  as  sponsors  : 
Rev.  John  N.  Mertz  in  1803,  4  and  5  ;  Rev.  N.  Zocchi  in  1804  ;  Rev.  Carr  in 
1808  ;  Rev.  D.  Carolus  Nagot  in  1813  ;  Rey.  A.  Marshall  in  1817. 

The  first  baptismal  record  by  Father  Enders  is  on  Sept.  26th,  1847  ;  and 
that  of  Father  Manns  in  Sept.,  1853.  He  was  ordained  at  Frederick,  June 
17th.  1853.  After  a  short  stay  at  Conewago,  he  labored  elsewhere  until 
1862,— since  that  at  Conewago.  He  now  attends  the  Sisters  at  McSherrys- 
town.  His  spare  moments  are  devoted  to  the  translation  of  some  religious 
works  in  German  in  the  original,  and  has  quite  a  collection  of  manuscript 
copy.  One  of  the  Sisters  aids  him  in  the  English  translation.  Father  Her- 
man Richard  attends  Paradise  and  Oxford  from  Conewago.  He  is  a  very 
genial  Father  ;  born  May  8th,  1834  ;  entered  the  Society  Oct.  1st,  1857. 

Conewago,  though  not  a  classic  land  of  artists  and  poets,  has  its  charms, 
many  of  which  are  derived  from  its  religion.  "  The  palaces  of  Genoa  and 
Venice,  without  their  churches,  would  not  compensate  for  their  scorched  and 
unhealthy  marshes.  The  monotonous  plain  of  Milan  would  be  no  delight- 
ful recollection  without  the  thought  of  its  Cathedral.  The  formal  hills  which 
border  the  pale  and  turbid  Po  at  Turin,  would  inspire  no  interest  if  they 
were  not  crowned  with  that  votive  Church  of  the  Superga.  The  low,  sandy 
banks  of  the  Arno  would  not  arrest  the  pilgrim  at  Pisa,  if  there  were 
not  the  soil  of  Calvary  in  the  Campo  Santo,  the  Cathedral,  the  Baptistery 
and  the  Campanile.     The  vale  and  hills  of  Florence,  with  their  famed  but 


182  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

disappointing  stream,  are  unquestionably  surpassed  in  natural  beauty  by  the 
English  valleys  of  the  Severn  or  the  Wye;  but  art,  inspired  by  the  Catholic  re- 
ligion, has  raised  that  dome  and  tower  in  the  Tuscan  plain,  and  crowned  the 
hills  which  encircle  it  with  those  beautiful  convents  which  Michael  Angelo 
used  to  regard  with  rapture.  How  hideous  would  be  the  range  of  the  Ap- 
penines,  if  it  were  not  for  Camaldoli  and  Alvernia  !  Who  would  be  attached 
to  Sienna,  if  it  were  not  for  its  cathedral  and  Gothic  towers  !  and  what  pil- 
grim from  the  North  would  be  attracted  to  Ancona  by  the  scenery  of  that 
level  shore  of  the  Adriatic,  if  it  were  not  for  the  hope  of  arriving  at  the  house 
of  our  Blessed  Lady."  Though  fair  and  fertile  the  Valley  of  the  Conewago, 
it  is  surpassed  in  extent  by  that  of  the  Cumberland,  and  in  abrupt  and  ever- 
changing  scenery  by  the  valleys  of  the  Potomac  and  the  Shenandoah  ;  but 
the  Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  fills  the  mind  of  the  Catholic  with  thoughts 
of  the  early  missionaries,  and  his  own  pioneer  forefathers  of  the  faith  in  days 
of  Colonial  hardships  and  persecutions  ;  it  touches  his  heart  by  the  dearest 
memories  there  cherished  for  time  :  and  raising  it  to  heavenly  desires,  car- 
ries him  back  over  the  pathway  of  the  Catholic  Church  to  the  fountain-head 
of  all  that  we  have  in  this  world  or  hope  for  in  the  next. 

Though  the  fields  may  be  green  and  the  harvests  rich  ; — though  man  be 
in  the  enjoyment  of  all  the  comforts  and  pleasures  of  life,  health  and  wealth  ; 
there  are  times  when  his  soul  complains  and  will  not  be  satisfied.  "  With- 
out an  altar,  not  the  shade  of  the  lofty  groves,  not  the  soft  meadows,  not  the 
stream  descending  from  the  rocks,  and  clearer  than  crystal,  winding  through 
the  plain,  can  satisfy  the  soul  of  man.  Left  in  the  presence  of  nature  alone, 
it  faints  and  becomes  like  earth  without  the  dew  of  heaven  :  it  is  oppressed 
by  the  contemplation  of  that  vast  immensity  ;  it  loses  its  tranquility  and  its 
joy.  Man  in  himself  can  find  no  rest  or  peace  ;  and  how  should  he  find  re- 
pose in  the  works  of  nature,  when  these  themselves  are  forever  restless  V 
The  fire  mounts  in  a  perpetual  course,  always  flickering  and  impatient  ;  the 
air  is  agitated  with  conflicting  winds,  and  susceptible  of  the  least  impulse  ; 
the  water  hurries  on,  and  knows  no  peace  ;  and  even  this  ponderous  and 
solid  earth,  with  its  rocks  and  mountains,  endures  an  unceasing  process  of 
disintegration,  and  is  ever  on  the  change." 

"  Even  to  the  mere  poetic  soul,  what  a  delightful  accompaniment  to  the 
silent  hymn  of  nature,  is  that  chiming  of  angelus  bells  which  rises  at  even- 
ing and  at  noon,  and  at  the  sweet  hour  of  prime,  from  all  sides  of  a  Catholic 
valley  V — bells  that  may  well  be  termed  of  the  angel  ;  that  are  not  rung,  as 
in  other  lands,  by  base  hands,  through  love  of  sordid  gain,  to  celebrate 
some  occasion  of  sensual  joy,  temporal  and  vain,  soon  to  change  to  mourn- 
ing as  vain  ;  but  by  pious  hands,  through  the  devout  intention  of  inspiring 
men  with  thoughts  of  prayer." 

After  all  our  efforts  to  arrange  some  kind  of  a  history  of  Conewago, 
many  things  yet  remain  that  might  be  worthy  of  preservation.  Some  ac- 
count could  be  given  of  the  many  humble  and  holy  lives  that  were  passed 
unseen  by  the  hurrying  crowds  of  the  world,  but  what  cares  the  world  for 
such  ?  Cold  and  ungrateful  are  even  our  best  friends  :  those  who  were  near- 
est and  dearest  to  the  Fathers  in  life,  it  grieves  us  to  say,  are  found  most  in- 
different to  their  memories  after  they  have  passed  away.  At  most,  it  will 
only  be  a  few  years  until  others  take  our  places.  Life  is  too  short  and  busy 
to  have  much  thought  except  for  the  present.  Why  then  any  further  record  ? 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


183 


The  birds  sing  the  same  among  the  trees  this  year  as  they  did  in  the  long 
ago.  The  seasons  bring  the  same  joys  and  pleasures  as  of  old.  Some  rejoice 
to-day.  while  others  mourn.  The  bells  ring  as  sweetly  and  toll  as  sorrowful- 
ly though  centuries  have  elapsed  and  generations  disappeared.  The  sound 
of  song  or  the  organ's  peal  may  die  out  to  some  while  first  reaching  the  ears 
of  others.  Eloquent  sermons,  ceremonies  most  grand  and  imposing,— every- 
thing that  pleases  the  eye  or  touches  the  heart,  shall  be  heard  until  time  is 
no  more.  The  Church  inspires  man  with  the  same  lofty  desires  as  she  did  in 
the  days  of  the  great  Masters  at  the  Cradle  of  Arts,  and  Literature  may  still 
find  the  Rise  and  Decline  of  Nations  among  the  rich  memories  and  everlast- 
ing beauties  of  an  Ara  Coeli.  What  matters  it  whether  nations  are  unborn 
or  buried  ;  one  is  the  same  as  the  other  ;  life  is  death  and  death  is  life,  and 
though  to-day  be  full  of  memories,  to-morrow  all  will  be  oblivion.  Why 
rehearse  all  that  is  dear  to  me  in  the  Book  of  Memory  V  Why  turn  its  pages, 
and  search  for  faded  scrapsand  treasured  relics  ;  why  look  for  thecornersof 
bright  leaves  turned  down,  and  drop  tears  over  pages  that  are  dark  and 
stained  with  remorse  V  Has  the  vulgar  crowd  nothing  more  to  mock  at  ;— 
nothing  less  sacred  for  its  amusement  than  the  memories  of  the  past  ?  Shall 
my  farewells  amuse  them,  while  the  hoary  ferryman  plys  his  oar  V  Fate  in- 
exorable !  Destiny  eternal !  Never  has  man  evaded  thee,  and  mortal  never 
will.  tw  Unhappy  guest  at  the  banquet  of  life,  I  appear  for  one  day  and  die  ! 
I  die,  and  on  my  grave  no  one  will  scatter  flowers.  Farewell,  fields  that  I 
love  !  and  thou,  sweet  verdure  !  and  thou,  smiling  solitude  of  woods  !  Sky, 
beauteous  canopy  for  man  !  admirable  Nature  !  for  the  last  time,  farewell!" 

"  Not  always  full  of  leaf,  nor  ever  Spring  ; 

Not  endless  night,  nor  yet  eternal  day  : 
The  saddest  birds,  a  season  find  to  sing  ; 

The  roughest  storm,  a  calm  may  soon  allay. 
Thus  with  succeeding  terms,  God  tempereth  all, 
That  man  may  hope  to  rise,  yet  fear  to  fall." 


c«£»a 


THE  OLD  CONEWAGO  CHURCH. 


[Commenced  in  1785,  Enlarged  and  Improved  up  to  1886.] 


184  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Enlargement  of  Conewago  Church  in  1850.— From  some  memoran- 
da of  an  official  report  of  Father  Enders,  Superior,  made  Feb.  29th,  1852,  we 
glean  some  facts  in  regard  to  the  enlargement  of  the  Conewago  Church  in 
1850.  So  many  changes  are  constantly  taking  place  in  everything,  that  the 
surroundings  of  Conewago  only  this  short  time  ago  seem  strange  to  us. 
This  was  the  more  forcibly  called  to  our  miud  when  a  few  weeks  ago  we 
overheard  several  middle-aged  people  before  the  Church  at  Conewago,  re- 
calling to  each  other  the  changes  that  had  taken  place  since  they  as  boys  had 
attended  catechism  there  ;  few  of  their  companions  remained  :  the  old  Fath- 
ers were  all  gone,  and  marked  changes  on  every  hand  impressed  them  with 
the  flight  of  time. 

In  considering  the  enlargement  of  the  church,  one  source  of  regret  was 
the  necessity  of  removing  part  of  the  walls  of  the  old  church  and  destroying 
some  of  the  artistic  decorations  that  had  shortly  before  been  executed.  But 
the  need  of  more  room  and  accommodations  was  felt,  and  it  was  the  will  of 
the  Bishop,  Superior  and  the  greater  part  of  the  congregation,  that  the  old 
church  be  enlarged  instead  of  building  and  maintaining  a  new  church  in 
some  other  part  of  the  parish.  The  enlargement  was  effected  by  taking  down 
the  sanctuary  and  replacing  it  with  transepts,  making  the  building  cross- 
form  and  the  church  fully  as  large  again.  As  the  old  part  of  the  church  was 
painted  in  the  very  best  style,  there  was  no  alternative  but  have  the  new 
part  painted  in  harmony  with  the  old.  The  title  of  the  church  is  of  the  Sac- 
red Heart  ;  this  was  to  guide  in  the  choice  of  the  objects  represented.  "  It 
was  our  good  fortune  to  find  an  artist  who  was  fully  equal  to  the  task,  hav- 
ing carried  off  the  first  premium  in  the  historical  art  of  painting  in  one  of  the 
best  European  Academies/ '  The  three  wonders  of  divine  love  in  the  Re- 
demption, i.  e.,  the  Incarnation,  Death  of  the  Saviour,  and  the  Institution  of 
the  Blessed  Sacrament,  form  the  principal  subjects  of  the  painting,  to  which 
correspond  His  coming  from  Heaven,  His  return  to  the  Father,  the  Adora- 
tion of  the  Holy  of  Holies  by  Angels,  in  the  ceiling  ;  the  representation  of 
the  Blessed  Trinity  forming  the  center-piece,  in  a  blind  cupola  of  about  20 
feet  diameter,  bordered  with  stucco  leaves  in  gilt  and  bronze.  In  the  Bless- 
ed Tiinity  the  Son  is  represented  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  receiving  the 
Sceptre  of  Supreme  Dominion,  with  the  left  hand,  holding  at  the  6aroe  time 
the  cross,  whilst  the  right  hand  is  raised  to  bless  ;  the  heart  being  visible  ; 
the  Holy  Gho&t  appears  in  the  form  of  a  dove.  This  is  a  most  imposing  com- 
position, carried  out  with  all  the  splendor  that  color  is  capable  of  imparting. 
In  the  left  side  against  the  wall  is  the  Nativity,  the  Infant  lying  in  the  man- 
ger, the  Blessed  Virgin  on  her  knees,  whilst  St.  Joseph  is  prostrate  in  an  act 
of  adoration  :  an  Angel  hovers  on  high,  whilst  the  background  presents  a 
landscape,  covered  by  the  darkness  of  night  ;  close  by  the  crib  where  lies  the 
new-born  babe  on  a  pallet  of  straw,  is  a  stall  for  cattle,  which  reach  over  to- 
wards the  child,  as  if  to  impart  warmth  by  their  breath  on  the  tiny  body  of 
the  Creator  of  all  Nature,  now  exposed  to  the  cold  and  dampness  of  the  man- 
ger at  Bethlehem.  Above  this  in  the  ceiling  of  the  transept,  is  represented 
the  Saviour,  who  was  the  expectation  of  the  nations,  descending  from  Heav- 
en, and  as  it  were  taking  leave  of  His  Father,  returning  with  one  hand  the 
Crown  of  Glory,  whilst  the  other  hand  is  receiving  from  the  Father  the  cross 
with  the  ci  own  of  thorns.  Two  Archangels  are  supporting  the  holy  group, 
holding  a  scroll  with  an  inscription.     In  the  other  transept  against  the  wall. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  185 

is  the  tbe  Death  of  the  Saviour,  with  which  corresponds  His  Ascension  into 
Heaven  above  in  the  ceiling,  His  entering  into  glory  in  contrast  with  the  act 
of  His  deepest  humiliation.  Christ  on  the  Cross,  having  already  ex- 
pired, is  masterly  carried  out  in  design  and  in  its  anatomical  dispositions. 
At  the  right  side  are  standing  the  Blessed  Virgin  with  an  expression  of  im- 
mense sorrow,  and  St.  John  also  overwhelmed  with  grief,  close  by  in  readi- 
ness to  support  her.  At  the  foot  of  the  cross  is  Mary  Magdalene  on  her 
knees,  drying  up  with  her  veil  the  blood  that  flowed  from  the  holy  Victim. 

The  master-piece  was  reserved  for  the  Sanctuary, — The  Last  Supper  and 
the  Adoration  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  The  Sanctuary  forms  a  half  circle, 
presenting  a  surface  of  some  sixty  feet  in  breadth.  Little  less  than  half  of 
that  space  is  taken  up  with  the  picture  proper,  the  rest  in  decoration  of  the 
grandest  style.  The  artist  chose  the  moment  when  Christ  consecrated  the 
bread,  holding  it  with  the  left  hand,  whilst  the  right  is  raised  to  bless  it,  and 
the  eyes  to  Heaven.  The  twelve  Apostles  are  around  the  table  in  the  most 
reverential  attitude,  and  with  expressions  of  the  deepest  interest  and  devo- 
tion. Above  in  the  ceiling  is  the  Adoration  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  which 
is  surrounded  by  myriads  of  angels,  intoning  in  full  chorus  the  Taatum  Er- 
go, Sacramentum,  accompanied  by  music  on  various  instruments.  The  rich- 
est decorations  surround  these  scenes  ;  vines  encircle  the  whole  Sanctuary, 
over  gilt  columns  with  arches,  where  clusters  of  grapes  are  ranged,  and  the 
root  or  main  step  of  the  vine  proceeds  from  a  chalice  in  the  hands  of  a  figure 
of  our  Saviour.  Stars  are  shining  in  the  blue  sky  background  of  the  paint- 
ing in  the  ceiling,  and  the  full  moon  rises  in  the  east  on  a  background  of  the 
shades  of  night  in  the  Last  Supper.  All  these  paintings  are  done  on  the 
plastering  of  the  walls.  The  same  artist  painted  the  death  of  St.  Francis,  on 
canvas,  which  is  now  over  his  altar,  and  the  Fourteen  Stations,  of  four  by 
six  feet,  which  adorn  the  walls.  "  If  the  latter  bear  marks  of  hurry,  the 
former  is  elaborate,  and  succeeded  perhaps  best  of  all."  *w  All  the  paintings, 
which  bear  the  stamp  of  originality,  and  genius,  are  of  brilliant  colors  and 
present  a  most  imposing  view  ;  and  whilst  they  are  attracting  numbers  of 
the  curious,  they  fail  not  to  contribute  to  the  edification  and  instruction  of 
the  faithful." 

After  the  completion  of  the  improvements,  the  church  was  first  used  for 
the  celebration  of  the  half-centennial  Jubilee,  which  was  held  in  most  of  the 
congregations  with  a  retreat, — at  Conewago,  March  16th  to  23d,  1851.  Two 
Fathers  of  the  Tertianship  conducted  the  exercises  at  Gettysburg  and  Lit- 
tlestown.  The  next  event  was  the  solemn  consecration  of  the  Church,  Aug. 
15th.  While  the  ceremonies  were  going  on  inside  the  church,  one  of  the 
Fathers  preached  in  German  to  the  assembled  crowd  outside.  Sunday  fol- 
lowing the  solemn  benediction  of  the  graveyard  took  place,  which  in  conse- 
quence of  the  enlargement  of  the  church,  had  to  be  extended.  It  has  been 
several  times  since  enlarged,  and  now  almost  reaches  the  public  road  pass- 
ing back  of  the  church.  Many  changes  were  made  in  the  outbuildings, 
stables,  fences,  and  gardens,  at  that  time.  The  priests'  house  was  enlarged, 
so  as  to  throw  the  kitchen  farther  away  from  the  church.  A  large  cistern 
was  dug  near  the  new  kitchen  ;  the  old  carriage  house  was  turned  into  a 
bake  and  wash  house  ;  the  stables  were  removed  farther  down  :  the  gardens 
and  yards  enlarged  and  fenced  in,  and  a  high  stone  wall  built  between  the 
garden  and  the  graveyard,  separated  before  by  a  "  slight  plank  fence." 


186  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Among  the  letters  of  the  Fathers,  there  are  few  that  add  anything  to  the 
history  of  Conewago.  There  is  some  correspondence  between  Father  Enders 
and  Rosalie  Stecker,  Innsbruck,  Austria,  about  some  paintings.  Francis 
Stecker  painted  the  Conewago  Church,  and  executed  several  paintings  pre- 
served there.  What  relation  between  them,  we  cannot  say.  There  is  a  let- 
ter from  Thaddeus  Brzozowski,  St.  Petersburg,  to  Father  Adam  Britt,  June 
20th,  1809.  One  from  Ehl,  Ehrenbreitstein,  Prussia,  to  Fr.  N.  Steinbacher, 
(of  whom  the  writer  was  a  former  student,)  Aug.  10,  1837.  Circular  letter 
from  Pope  Pius  VII.,  (Savona,)  Aug.  25th,  1809,  to  Cardinal  Caprara,  Arch- 
bishop of  Milan,  about  the  state  of  religion.  Encyclical  letter  issued  at  Dub- 
lin, 1810,  III  Kalends  of  March,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Bishops  of  Ire- 
land, in  reference  to  the  state  of  the  Church. 

July  31st.  1859,  corner-stone  of  the  Church  at  Bonaughtown,  (Bonneau- 
ville,)  Adams  Co  ,  Pa.,  was  blessed  by  Fr.  John  Baptist  Cattani,  S.  J.  ;  the 
sermon  by  Father  Hitzelberger,  S.  J. 

Where  private  letters  of  the  Fathers  throw  any  light  on  Catholic  history, 
or  give  any  reference  to  Conewago,  we  have  taken  the  liberty  of  using  them, 
from  the  great  desire  to  do  what  we  can  for  the  Conewago  history.  If  we 
have  done  well,  it  is  reward  enough,  if  not  so  well,  we  hope  it  may  be  par- 
doned us.     Mach.  xv.  39. 

Bishop  John  Timon,  when  deacon,  was  resting  a  while  at  St.  Mary's  set- 
tlement. Arkansas.  One  day  he  turned  up  missing.  No  one  could  give  an 
account  of  him.  Father  Odin,  Father  Ball  and  others,  became  alarmed.  It 
was  in  the  days  of  bears  and  wolves.  A  grand  search  was  instituted.  To- 
wards evening  the  Rev.  John  Timon  was  discovered  at  a  small  cabin  several 
miles  distant,  sleeves  l'olled  up,  axe  in  hand,  and  beads  of  sweat  on  his 
brow.  It  seems  that  he  had  heard  of  the  poor  and  lonely  old  widow  who 
had  lived  there,  with  no  one  to  chop  her  winter's  wood.  Having  stolen 
away,  unawares,  from  his  companions,  he  was  finishing  his  first  cord  when 
the  hunting  party  came  upon  him  with  horns  and  rifles.  They  did  not  ex- 
actly take  up  a  subscription  for  the  widow.  Each  one  gave  a  turn  till  the 
woodpile  disappeared. 

When  Rev.  Samuel  Mulledy  was  at  the  point  of  death,  he  begged  re-ad- 
mission to  the  Society  of  Jesus  from  Rev.  A.  M.  Paresce,  Provincial,  which 
was  granted.  Though  in  the  agony  of  death,  he  was  so  moved  by  the  joy 
and  happiness  it  gave  him,  that  he  sprang  out  of  his  bed  and  on  bended 
knees  pronounced  the  Formula  of  the  Society,  in  the  presence  of  Father  Jos- 
eph Loyzance,  Rector  of  St.  Francis  Xavier  College,  New  York.  He  died  a 
most  saintly  death  on  the  night  of  the  8th  of  Jan.,  1866,  assisted  in  his  last 
moments  by  one  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Society. 

Father  John  Barrister,  S.  J.,  writes  to  a  friend  at  Conewago,  from  Loyo- 
la, (Balto.)  Oct.  31st,  1859,  sending  his  respects  to  Fathers  Dougherty  and 
Manns,  and  to  Brothers  Redmond  and  Donohue.  He  says  Father  Sopranis, 
the  Roman  Visitor,  arrived,  accompanied  by  the  brother  of  Fr.  Ciccaterri,  S. 
J.,  acting  as  his  Secretary  ;  went  straight  to  Georgetown.  "  Father  Tom. 
Mulledy  saw  them,  who  reports  that  the  old  gentleman,  notwithstanding  his 
age,  is  in  excellent  health  and  spirits,  and  extremely  glad  to  see  his  Ameri- 
can friends  once  more.  His  accounts  from  Italy  are  very  gloomy.  Our 
Fathers  in  the  Pontifical  States  are  in  daily  expectation  of  an  outbreak,  es- 
pecially in  Rome  ;  they  all  hold  themselves  in  readiness  for  another  ex- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  187 

pulsion.  Napoleon  begins  to  quarrel  with  the  Pope,  because  the  latter  will 
not  come  over  to  his  views  ;  he  intends  to  withdraw  his  troops  from  Rome, 
which,  of  course,  will  be  the  signal  for  a  revolution  in  central  Italy,  and 
then,  Pio  Nono,  farewell."  He  says  Father  Dougherty  was  the  patron  and 
admirer  of  the  nephew  of  the  great  Uncle.  He  says,  "  Father  Enders  was 
here  some  time  ago ;  the  fracture  of  his  collar  bone  has  been  cured,'"  though 
the  use  of  his  left  arm  is  not  quite  restored.  "  Father  Deneckere  went  to 
see  his  sister  in  Philadelphia,  not  long  ago,  who,  he  writes,  is  declining  fast 
with  consumption." 

The  bell  on  Christ  Church,  (Protestant,)  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  has  the  follow- 
ing inscription  in  Latin,  "  Mary  of  the  Conception,  by  thine  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Virgin  Mother  of  God,  defend  us  from  the  malignant  foe."  There 
is  a  Portugese  inscription,  giving  the  date  of  its  manufacture  as  1788.  It 
was  a  confiscated  convent  bell  f  uom  Portugal.  One  of  the  christian  ministers 
of  the  Lutheran  College  at  Gettysburg,  talks  about  its  having  been  "■  super- 
stitiously  baptized,"  and  having  "  many  a  day  rung  out  the  matins  or  vespers 
for  lazy  monks  or  cloistered  nuns."  We  are  very  glad  that  the  bell  is  not 
otherwise  deformed.  It  is  a  grand  and  lasting  testimonial  to  the  Immaculate 
Conception. 

The  organ  in  the  Paradise  Church  was  purchased  through  the  efforts  of 
Fr.  J.  B.  Cattani,  while  Superior  of  Co~ewago,  at  a  cost  of  $500.  He  drew 
up  the  subscription  papers,  to  which  are  attached  the  following  names  :  Pius 
Fink,  John  Klunk,  Mary  Hoffman,  Geo.  and  Michael  Strubinger,  Valentine 
Shulz,  Francis  J.  Wilson,  Joseph  Weil,  Mich.  Hoffman,  Daniel  Miller.  Sam. 
Hair,  John  Felty  ;  Samuel,  Michael,  Catharine,  Eliza,  Levi.  Cornelius,  and 
Noah  Bievenour  ;  Frederick,  Michael,  Peter,  Sarah,  Rose  and  Mary  Dellone  ; 
Caleb,  Levi,  and  Aloysius  Brieghner  :  Albert  Storm  ;  Peter,  Michael,  Joseph, 
Sarah  A.,  and  Caroline  Noel  ;  Francis  Wise,  Lewis  Will,  Anthony  Shane, 
Cath.  Strausbaugh.  Klunk  family.  Jac.  Sterner,  Jacob  Wise.  Ed.  L.  Kuhn, 
Anne  Little,  Wm.  Dahlhammer,  Sebastian  Wise,  N.  Long,  Francis  Mayer, 
John  Elder,  Mich,  and  Sam.  Alwine.  Magdalene  and  Ann  Burger  Briechner, 
Eliz.  Chambers,  Jane  Car,  Mar.  and  Mary  A.  Chambers,  N.  Welker,  Martin 
Gephard,  Lewis  Weaver,  Andrew  and  Eliz.  Kuhn,  Geo.  and  Moses  Moore, 
J.  F.  Koehler,  Jos.  J.  Kuhn,  Geo.  A.  Goy. 

Father  Steinbacher  contracted  with  Mr.  Monachesi,  ofPhila.,  for  the 
painting  of  Conewago  Church,  at  $700,  in  the  presence  of  Father  Vespre,  S. 
J.  The  work  was  done  from  April  23d  to  June  12th,  1845.  He  was  allowed 
$100  more  kl  in  order  to  have  a  quite  excellent  altar  piece."  This  was  the 
Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  now  on  the  B.  V.  Altar.  The  following 
are  some  of  the  names  appearing  on  the  subscription  papers  for  repairing 
Conewago  Church  in  1844-5,  Father  Nicholas  Steinbacher,  Superior  :  Igna- 
tius, Vincent  and  Catharine  O'Bold  ;  John  Groft,  Mary  Strausbaugh,  B.J. 
McManus,  Teresia  Swartz,  Francis  Little,  Geo.,  Anne,  Mary  and  Cath. 
Eline.  Eliz.  Adams,  Barbara  and  Catharine  Oaster,  Eliz.  Will,  J.  A.  Eline, 
John  and  Thomas  Little,  J.  W.  Busbey,  Anthony  Strasbaugh,  Edw.  Nugent, 
Adam  Foller,  Cath.  Miller,  Samuel  Stormbach.  Thomas  McKinney,  Anna 
Stormbach,  Lilly  &  Reily,  Leonard  Shaffer,  Patrick  Harkins,  Francis  Bauer, 
T.  Owinss,  John  McKinney,  Sr.,  S.  J.  Owings,  John  Burkee,  John  and  Mat. 
Ginter,  Henry  Horat,  Eliz.  Egan,  Geo.  Ginter,  John,  Peter  and  Cath.  Krich- 


188  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

ton,  J.  S.  Adams,  Conrad  Fink,  the  Klunks,  the  Adamses,  Swartzes,  Leonards, 
Kuhns,  John  Oaster,  Joseph  Coopser,  Josephine  Kelly,  Matilda  McClain, 
Charles  L.  and  John  L.  Gubernator.  the  Wills,  Conrads,  Littles,  Jacob  Del- 
lone,  Busbeys,  the  Smiths,  Renauts,  Hildts,  Wises,  Althoffs,  Peter  Neider- 
er,  John  Marshall,  Wm.  Detrick,  Joseph  Sneeringer.  and  others.  This  seems 
to  be  the  McSherrystown,  Hanover  and  Brushtown  list,  and  is  the  only  one 
found  among  the  old  papers. 

Thos.  A.  Fitzgerald  writes  to  Father  Reiter  at  Conewago,  from  Fairfield, 
Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  Aug.  31st.  1858  :  says  congregation  is  very  anxious  that  one 
of  the  Conewago  Fathers  attend  their  church,  and  they  will  make  every  ef- 
fort to  pay  off  the  debt  and  make  up  something  for  the  pastor  ;  speaks  very 
kindly  of  Father  Villiger,  who  attended  them  previously  ;  gives  names  of 
families  of  the  congregation  :  Jesse  P.  Topper,  Adam  Sanders.  Samuel  Cole, 
Casper  Meyers,  Gregory  Topper,  B.  Kebel,  James,  Anthony  and  Peter  San- 
ders, Peter  Dick,  Michael  Lauver,  Joseph  and  James  Bowling.  Mrs.  Butt, 
Alex.  Weaver,  Michael  Cole,  Michael  Finnegan,  Mrs.  Peters,  Daniel  Beiseck- 
er,  with  whom  priest  stayed  ;  Mrs.  Butler,  Zacharias,  Andrew,  Charles  and 
widow  of  John  Sanders,  Andrew,  Barney  and  Samuel  Bigham,  Mrs.  Beiseck- 
er,  Mrs.  Finnifrock. 

P.  J.  Verhaegen,  S.  J.,  writes  to  Fr.  N.  Steinbacher  at  Conewago,  under 
date  of  Phila.,  May  31st,  1845  :  asks  for  more  information  about  the  war-like 
spirit  manifesting  itself  at  Paradise,  if  not  under  inviolable  secrecy  ;  says  he 
entertained  the  Chief  of  the  Chippeway  Nation  at  the  College,  Georgetown, 
last  Friday,  and  had  an  hour's  conversation  with  him  in  French  ;  had  a  let- 
ter from  Rev.  Fr.  Verreyde,  Jesuit  Superior  of  the  Indian  Missions  :  Chief 
told  him  that  the  Indians  "  got  completely  bewildered  by  the  contradictory 
doctrine  preached  to  them  by  the  Protestant  ministers,  and  that  they  want- 
ed Catholic  Blackgowns  to  instruct  them." 

Henry  Eckenrode,  of  Mountpleasant  Twp.,  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  bequeathed 
to  Father  Enders  the  "  principal  of  his  property,"  to  be  equally  divided  be- 
tween the  Conewago  and  the  Paradise  Churches. 

Will  of  Maximilian  Rantzau,  S.  J.,  made  Jan.  15th,  1824,  at  St.  Inigoe's 
Manor,  in  favor  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Beschter,  Rector  of  St.  John's.  Baltimore  : 
Witness  :  Joseph  Carbery,  Enoch  Combs.  Father  R.  had  a  sistei  in  Europe, 
to  whom  Fr.  Beschter  wrote  through  Mr.  Springger.  of  New  York,  that  she 
could  keep  what  property  tk  is  to  come  yet,"  or  send  it  on,  at  her  option. 
Father  Rantzau  died  at  Frederick,  Aug.  7th,  1827.  at  8  o'clock  a.  m.,  after 
having  preached  the  Sunday  before  the  panegyric  of  St.  Ignatius  ;  he  was  at- 
tacked by  palsy  or  appoplexy.  He  was  born  "  in  Germany,  at  Alberstre, 
near  Munster,  in  Westphalia,"  Dec.  23d,  1769. 

There  is  a  notice  of  the  death  in  Paradise  Twp.,  York  Co.,  Pa.,  of  Mrs. 
Catharine  Wise,  aged  80  years,  11  months  and  4  days  ;  and  two  days  after, 
her  husband,  Sebastian  Wise,  died,  aged  85  years.  4  months.  Several  verses 
to  their  memory  are  added.  From  the  artistic  pen  flourishes  following,  we 
are  sure  it  is  in  the  hand  writing  of  Rev.  Ferdinand  Helias,  S.  J.,  but  no 
name  nor  year  appear. 

Novitiate,  Frederick,  Aug,  15th,  1862,  Patrick  H.  Lower,  S.  S.  J.,  in  the 
name  of  the  Scholastics  who  spent  their  vacation  at  Conewago,  thanks  the 
Superior  for  the  "  kindness,  generosity  and  more  than  fatherly  care  over  us 
during  three  happy  weeks  we  spent  at  Conewago."    They  returned  to  Fred- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  189 

erick  in  hacks  ;  stopping  at  Taneytown  for  dinner,  where  they  found  that 
Father  O'Neill  was  not  at  home.  They  send  respects  toFrs.  Dougherty,  Manns 
and  Deneckere.  and  Bros.  Redmond,  Donohue.  and  Doyle.  James  A.  Ward, 
S.  J.,  adds  :  "  They  were  full  of  their  visit  and  continually  mention  in  their 
conversations  some  of  the  many  kindnesses  they  received.  I  was  glad  to 
perceive  how  much  they  appreciated  the  good  order  of  your  .house  and  the 
piety  of  your  devoted  congregation.  I  trust  that  it  will  remain  ever  a  bright 
spot  in  their  memories,  and  be  a  new  reason  for  them  to  bless  the  good  God 
who  called  them  to  His  service." 

There  is  a  letter  from  Rev.  J.  Barrister,  S.  J.,  St.  Mary's,  Alexandria, 
July  17th,  1863,  to  one  of  the  Conewago  Fathers,  which  for  the  local  infor- 
mation it  contains  we  publish  nearly  entire.     It  is  a  long  time  since  the  great 
event  he  speaks  of,  and  many  changes  have  taken  place.     Fath.  B.  was  at 
Conewago  a  short  time,  where  he  is  remembered.     The  letter  is  in  a  pleas- 
ant vein  of  humor,  and  shows  the  genial  disposition  of  the   Father.     From 
this  distance  we  can  look  back  upon  the  war  without  fear  or  favor.     There  is 
but  one  sentiment  now,  North  or  South.     Except  at  Gettysburg,  the  North 
had  little  experience  of  the  ravages  of  war.  in  comparison  with  the  South, 
which  is  only  now  rightly  beginning  to  recover  from  its  effects.     Conewago 
was  not  molested.     There  was  a  rumor  abou  t  the  time  of  the  battle  that  troops 
were  coming  to  destroy  the  church.     Preparations  were  made,  home  compa- 
nies organized,  and  whatever  could  be  done  for  its  defense  and  protection, 
but  no  hostile  soldiers  came.  The  people  fed  the  passing  troops  of  whichever 
side,  and  after  the  battle  at  Gettysburg,  hastened  to  the  field  with  provisions 
and  clothing  for  needy  friend  or  foe.     The  Southern  soldiers  behaved  well 
and  fought  bravely.     Those  were  days  of  terrible  fear  and  danger.     Remem- 
bering now  at  what  great  peril  was  the  safety  of  our  country,  we  shudder 
to  think  how  much  indifference  existed  in  the  North,  and  are  surprised  at 
the   gieat  sacrifices  made  in  the  South,   where  men,  women  and   children 
threw  all  they  had  into  the  cause.     The  bitterest  remembrances  North  or 
South  are  not  from  any  acts  of  the   true  soldier,    but   from    the   contempti- 
ble treachery  of  traitors  at  home,  who  perhaps  in  times  of  peace  fed  from  the 
table  of  those  whose  lives  and  property  they  placed  at  stake  when  the  enemy 
came.     In  their   zeal  for  the  cause,  we  might  give  extremes  by  Catholics 
North  and  South.    In  one  of  the  Southern  churches,  when  the  priest  came  on 
the  altar  to  say  Mass  one  morning,  he  was  surprised  to  see  a  small  Union 
flag  at  one  of  the  front  pews,  where  sat  a  strong  and  aged  Union  man.     The 
priest  refused  to  ascend  the  altar  until  the  flag  had  been  removed.     Doubt- 
less he  would   have  done  the  same  had   it  been  a  Confederate  emblem.     In 
the  South  the  women  were  the  hardest  to  reconstruct.     To  this  day  we  know 
an  intelligent  lady,  and  a  good  friend  and  Catholic,  who  has  left  the  word 
Federal  (States)   erased  and  Confederate  in  its  place,  in  the  prayers  for  the 
people  and  the  government,  in  her  prayer  book.     In  the  North  it  is  related 
of  several  prie&ts,  who  refused  to  give  the  Sacraments  to  those  who  took  up 
arms  against  the  Union. 

To  return  to  Father  Barrister's  letter  :  "  I  suppose  you  have  had  quite 
exciting  times  in  Conewago  on  the  occasion  of  Lee*s  visit.  Did  any  of  his 
pious  followers  come  up  the  hill  to  worship  in  your  beautiful  chapel  V  If  so, 
woe  to  the  two  tl  Bills,"  they  must  long  have  swum  the  Potomac  with  other 
horseflesh,  as  prisoners  of  war,  never  to  be  paroled.     Lee's  recrossing  over 


190  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

into  Virginia  is  now  a  fixed  fact  ;  it  took  the  world  by  surprise,  much  more 
than  his  landing  in  Maryland  and  penetrating  into  Pa.  This  is  already  the  sec- 
ond attempt  and  failure  to  make  conquests  for  the  slave  power.  I  trust  id 
will  be  the  last.  Providence,  it  would  seem,  does  not  wish  that  slavery 
should  be  saddled  again  on  any  free  State  in  which  it  has  been    abolished. 

*  *  *  *  Many  troops  must  have  passed  through  Adams  County  during 
the  past  two  weeks.  Are  their  tracks  anywhere  visible,  except  on  your 
miry  roads  V  *  *  *  *  Poor  Brother  Redmond  and  his  chickens !  To 
what  a  fright  they  must  have  been  put  when  the  Rebels  came  to  take  the 
eggs,  and  then  the  Federals  came,  who.  because  they  were  weak  and  faint 
with  marching,  were  sure  to  take  the  whole  roost  for  broil  and  soup.  The  rea- 
son I  speak  of  Bro.  R.'s  henroost,  in  connection  with  such  grave  events,  is 
because  to-day  is  a  Friday  and  Bro.  Cassiday  gives  us  eggs,  which  invariably 
makes  me  think  of  Conewago  eggs."  [Priests  from  the  cities  always  enjoy- 
ed the  fresh  country  produce  at  Conewago.]  ''  Father  Kroes  has  been  away 
from  here  most  of  the  time  ;  his  health  is,  however,  no  better.  *  *  ":f  * 
About  Alexandria  everything  bears  the  impress  of  the  war.  Most  of  the 
churches  and  public  buildings  are  still  used  for  hospital  purposes,  as  also 
the  homes  of  rich  Secessionists  who  left  for  the  South.  All  the  farms  for 
16  or  20  miles  are  lying  waste  ;  as  all  the  fences  are  gone,  the  poor  people  of 
the  town  and  country,  who  formerly  perhaps  could  hardly  feed  a  goat,  now 
can  keep  as  many  cows  in  summer  as  they  can  pay  for,  and  find  plenty  of 
pasture  on  the  farms  of  the  rich  Virginians  who  have  skedaddled  to  Dixie. 

*  *  *  *  Many  destroyed  and  broke  up  their  furniture,  to  prevent  it 
from  falling  into  the  hands  of  their  supposed  persecutors  ;  others  sold  it  to 
the  Jews  for  a  trifle  to  raise  a  few  dollars  for  traveling  expenses.  *  *  * 
When  they  returned  to  their  homes,  they  had  perhaps  not  a  straw  mattress 
to  lie  on.  How  the  Almighty  now  punishes  American  pride  by  the  very 
thine  which  once  made  these  people  so  boastful  and  haughty,  I  mean  their 
'Glorious  Union  and  Heavenborn  Constitution.'  O  tempora.  O  mores! 
There  was  a  time  when  the  haughty  Virginian  looked  down  upon  the  poor 
Irishman  or  the  humble  mechanic  from  his  arched  window  with  an  air  of 
contempt.  Now  an  Irish  soldier  or  a  Massachusetts  cobbler  with  a  shoulder 
strap,  sits  on  his  lofty  porch  of  Corinthian  columns,  smoking  his  pipe  or 
chewing  his  tobacco.  How  capriciously  the  wheel  of  fortune  can  turn  ups 
and  downs  in  a  little  time.  Please  remember  me  to  Aunt  Sally,  Mrs.  Reily, 
the  Lillys  and  Jenkinses,  and  give  my  special  love  to  Fathers  Manns  and 
Dougherty,  and  him  who  drew  his  first  breath  either  on  the  top  or  at  the 
bottom  of  the  classic  hills  whereon  the  Eternal  City  rests  her  foundations. 

*  *  *  *  Nor  do  I  forget  your  worthy  cook,  Br.  Redmond,  and  Brother 
Donohue,  Grand  Almoner  and  Privy  Counsellor  to  the  Patriarch  of  Gettys- 
burg and  the  Mountains.1' 

A  clipping  from  the  Herald,  Hanover,  dated  Blue  Spring  Chapel,  June 
29th,  1835,  gives  an  account  of  a  tornado  that  passed  over  the  Conewago 
Valley  June  27th  of  that  year.  The  houses  and  barns  of  Mark  Little,  Joseph 
Sneeringer,  Jacob  Little.  Peter  Kraft,  Samuel  Forsyth,  Edw.  Reily,  Joseph 
Schilling,  were  more  or  less  injured  and  destroyed.  Fences,  trees  and  small 
buildings  were  scattered  and  blown  down  by  the  storm.  In  the  same  paper, 
under  date  of  Jan.  26,  1837,  is  an  account  of  an  unusual  meteoric  display  in 
the  Valley:  under  date  of  Ap.  19,  1837.  there  is  a  notice  of  the  burning  of  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  191 

large  property  of  Samuel  Lilly,  near  the  Conewago  Church,  now  occupied 
by  John  L.  Jenkins. 

Births  from  the  Conewago  Registers.— 1793,  Feb.  19.  Salome,  daugh- 
ter of  J.  and  Cath.  Shuiy  ;  sponsors.  Maria  Fink  and  ''Rev.  P.  Erntzen.1' 

1794,  Jan.  25,  Jos.  A.,  son  of  Wm.  and Schlusser,  sponsor,  F.  X.  Bros- 

ius.  1794,  Feb.  8,  John  Timon,  son  of  Henry  and  Cath.;  John  "  Cunes  "  and 
Christina  Wolf.  1794,  born  Feb.  12,  bap.  on  19th,  John,  son  of  Jacob  and 
Helen  Timon  :  spons.,  John  "■  Coon  "  and  Christina  Wolf.  This  was  Bish- 
op Timon.  There  were  a  number  of  JohnKuhns,  and  we  have  not  been  able 
to  learn  who  was  his  god-father,  or  god-mother,  further  than  the  names. 
Some  think  Christina  Wolf  was  a  servant  girl  on  the  church  farm.  The 
Wolfs  are  and  were  Protestants.  There  is  some  connection  between  these 
two  last  baptism  entries,  as  will  be  seen.  1796,  May  2,  Wm.  Shorb,  son  of 
Jacob  and  Christina  ;  spons.,  Stanislaus  Cerfoumont,  S.  J  ,  and  Margaret 
Sneeringer.  1796,  Oct.  5,  James,  son  of  John  and  Cath.  Shorb  ;  Spons.,  S. 
Cerfoumont  and  Maria  Coopser.  1796,  Nov.  25,  bap.  Jan.,  1797,  Anna  Cath. 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Cath.  Lambing;  spons.,  Robert  and  Mar.  Owings. 
This  was  a  relative  of  Rdv.  A.  A.  Lambing's  father.  1798,  Nov.  25,  Mary, 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Helen  "  Timmons  "  ;  spons.  F.  X.  Brosius  and  Maria 
Kuhn.  This  must  have  been  a  sister  of  Bishop  Timon.  The  name  was  spell- 
ed "  Timmons,""  and  the  two  were  originally  of  one  family.  We  have  fre- 
quently heard  it  said  that  the  first  Timmonses  of  Conewago  were  related  to 
the  Timons.  1795,  May  25,  John  Phil.,  son  of  Phil,  and  Ger.  Weber  ;  spons. 
J.  Schumacker  :  signature,  "*  R.  Fran.  Xaverius  Brosius. "  1800,  Oct.  24th, 
bap.  Nov.  3d,  Stanislaus  Xav.,  son  of  John  and  Mary  Eckenrode  ;  spons.  F. 
X.  Brosius  and  Mar.  Marshall.  1796,  April  25,  signature  of  k'  R.  Jacobus  Pel- 
leutz."  1800.  Oct.  22d,  Sarah,  daughter  of  Anna  (Coopser)  and  Samuel  Lilly  ; 
spons.  Henry  Lilly  annd  Sarah  Owings.  This  is  the  present  aged  Miss  Sally 
Lilly,  well  known  at  Conewago,  and  also  in  the  Society  for  her  kind  hospi- 
tality to  visiting  priests.  1803,  April  28,  Sarah  Cath.,  daughter  of  John  and 
Maria  Fink  ;  spons.  F.  X.  Brosius  and  Cath.  Martin.  Father  Brosius  was  the 
companion  of  Father  Gallitzin. 

Deaths. — 1802,  March  6th,  Thomas  Dorditch,  alias  Bush,  nearly  70 years 
old,  natus  natione  Uogarus.  He  may  have  been  an  exile  or  a  refugee.  1800. 
Dec.  3d,NicholausDelow,  aged  84.  born  in  France.  His  posterity  remains  to  the 
fourth  and  fifth  generation.  1799.  Oct.  loth.  James  Small,  aged  58.  1806, 
Francis,  an  aged  colored  man.  1790,  March  25,  Paul .  a  widower,  ag- 
ed 77.  who  served  as  sacristan.  1798.  May  22d,  Jasper  Michel  Felder,  l'Sac- 
ristanus  noster,11  aged  58,  '•  natus  prope  Bruschsal  in  Germania.  Oremus.1' 
1798,  July  20th,  Joseph  Herman,  a  good  man,  humble  and  patient,  confined 
to  his  bed  for  five  years,  aged  nearly  70.  There  are  a  number  of  old  tomb- 
stones in  the  graveyard,  but  many  of  the  oldest  are  so  worn  by  time  as  not 
to  be  discipherable.  while  others  are  lost.  When  the  new  part  of  the  church 
was  built,  many  of  the  old  tombstones  were  stood  outside  along  the  church, 
and  few  remain  after  half  a  century.  We  append  a  few  :  Mary  Ann  Weis- 
en  (Wise),  ilgebohrne  Hitzelbergerin,'7  born  Jan.  4th,  1775,  died  1781.  An- 
na Mar.  Kleinin  (Little),  born  Feb.  1st.  1723,  died  April  30,  1796.  Thomas 
Adams,  b.  July  15,  1735,  d.  Dec.  5,  1776.  Mary  Regina  Breighner,  b.  Aug. 
26,   1785.  d.  Sept.   13.  1787.     John  Faller,  b.  Nov.  21.  1717,   d.  Dec.  4,   1784. 


192  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

John  Storm,  b.  Jau.  21,  1725,  d.  Jan.  1,  1803.  Anna  Margaret,  wife  of  Rob- 
ert Owings,  died  April  12,  1802.  John  Kuhu  died  in  1826,  aged  73,  and  his 
wife,  Theresa,  in  1821.  This  may  have  been  the  god-father  of  Bishop  Timon. 
Anna  Cath.  Ehrweinin,  b.  ap.  30,  1725,  d.  March  15,  1799.  Abolonia  Ehr- 
man,  born  in  1763,  died  in  1801.  Julianna  Sneeringer,  b.  Aug.  1st,  1742,  d. 
Oct.  9,  1813.     Catharine  Becker,  b.  Ap.  6.   1746.  d.  July  7,    1790.     Christian 

Dabber,  b.  Dec. ,  1715,  d.  July  13,  1789.  Anna  Mar.  Eckenrode  ("  Ecken- 

roden  "),  b.  Aug.  1st,  1709.  d.  Dec.  6,  1790.  Samuel  Lilly,  born  in  1699, 
when  William  III  was  on  the  throne  of  England  ;  died  June  8,  1738. 

Besides  other  valuable  information  of  Cone wago  already  obtained,  we 
are  indebted  to  Mrs.  Jane  Jenkins  for  the  following  interesting  notes  of  its 
history  : 

Father  Boarman  never  lived  at  Conevv ago,  but  visited  it  once  a  month 
from  Maryland.  Father  Divin  died  at  York  or  Carlisle  about  1830  ;  was  no 
Jesuit.  [The  priest  who  labored  at  York  from  1822  to  1838,  was  Rev.  Pat- 
rick J.  Dwen  or  Dween.  From  the  fact  that  the  name  on  the  Cone  wago 
records  as  early  as  1820,  is  always  spelled  "  Divin,"  we  are  of  the  opinion 
that  they  are  not  the  same,  but  different  priests.  If  the  name  "  Divin  " 
does  not  appear  in  the  records  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  then  they  are  one  and 
the  same.]  Father  Wm.  Marshall  was  at  Conewago  in  1817  ;  he  went  to  sea, 
died  on  board  and  was  buried  in  the  ocean.  When  the  church  was  enlarged 
by  Father  Enders.  there  was  a  desire  to  build  instead  a  new  church  in  Han- 
over. Lilly's  mill  was  built  by  Henry  Lilly,  about  75  years  ago.  He  was 
the  father  of  Revs.  Thos.  and  Samuel  Lilly,  S.  J.  ;  the  former  labored  for 
many  years  in  the  lower  counties  of  Maryland  ;  died  in  Phila.  about  1863, 
aged  53  :  Samuel  only  lived  a  year  after  ordination  ;  was  Vice  President 
Loyola  College,  Balto.,  when  he  died,  aged  35  ;  he  was  a  holy  man  and  gift- 
ed, writing  fluently  prose  or  verse.  Father  Lekeu  came  about  1820  ;  he  was 
greatly  beloved  for  his  sweetness  and  charity,  but  was  no  financier,  and  after 
his  removal  the  management  of  the  property  was  put  into  the  hands  of  lay- 
men ;  he  came  of  a  wealthy  and  aristocratic  family,  who  sent  him  many  val- 
uable things— vestments  embroidered  on  velvet,  altar  service  inlaid  with 
precious  metals  and  stones  ;  from  Conewago  he  was  sent  to  Whitemarshi 
where  he  became  unhappy  on  account  of  the  influence  of  the  climate  on  his 
health,  and  the  great  change  in  his  habits,  and  he  returned  home  to  die 
among  his  friends. 

There  were  two  Fathers  Mulledy,  Thomas  and  Samuel.  Father  Tom  was 
Provincial  and  freed  all  the  slaves  in  the  communities  of  the  Jesuits  ;  he  was 
a  Virginian,  rather  rough  and  read}',  but  a  man  of  grpat  character  and  pow- 
erfully built.  Father  De  Barth  was  no  Jesuit,  but  lived  among  them  many 
years.  Father  Tuffer  was  pastor  after  Father  Stein bacher,  and  was  succeed- 
ed by  Father  Enders.  [In  the  diar}'  of  Father  Steinbacher  and  on  the  books, 
he  says  he  tv  hands  over  "  the  money  and  affairs  to  Father  Gibbons.]  Fath- 
er Cattani  was  a  Bavarian  ;  came  to  America  during  the  troubles  in  Europe 
in  '48  ;  he  was  not  always  a  Jesuit,  only  after  his  mother's  death,  whom  he 
cared  for  while  a  secular  ;  he  was  all  zeal  and  holiness  and  his  charity  for 
the  poor  was  boundless.  Father  Dom  Pieri  or  Domperi,  an  Italian,  succeed- 
ed Father  Cattani  at  his  death  Aug.  30.  1865,  he  had  a  great  dread  of  horses 
and  his  heart  longed  for  the  gentle  donkey  of  his  native  land  ;  he 
was  removed  to  Boston1,  where  he  still  has  charge  of  an  Italian  congrega 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  193 

tion,  who  idolize  him.  Father  B.  Villiger  succeeded  him  :  he  was  Provin- 
cial at  one  time,  and  his  management  in  spiritual  and  temporal  matters  was 
very  successful  ;  he  was  a  fluent  speaker  and  greatly  beloved.  He  was  re- 
moved to  the  Gesu,  Phila. ;  he  was  a  Swiss,  ordained  in  this  country,  and 
from  his  wonderful  mastery  of  the  English  language  no  one  would  imagine 
him  a  foreigner.  Father  Cotting  was,  I  believe,  a  Swiss,  and  was  in  the 
Novitiate  with  Fathers  Enders  and  Cattani,  being  about  their  age.  Father 
Bellwalder  succeeded  Fr.  Villiger  ;  he  was  a  German  and  did  not  suit  for  a 
large  English  congregation  ;  he  is  now  at  Buffalo,  in  a  German  College. 
Father  Charlin  was  pastor  for  a  few  months  ;  he  was  a  Frenchman,  and  a 
saintly  man  ;  removed  to  Boston  where  he  still  remains.  Father  Di  Maria 
was  at  Conewago  for  his  health,  in  1870,  about  a  year  ;  he  went  to  Philadel- 
phia and  died  at  St.  Joseph's  hospital.  Father  Jamison  went  to  Troy,  N.  Y., 
from  here,  and  afterwards  to  Boston  where  he  still  remains.  Father  Casey 
left  Conewago  for  Frederick  to  make  his  tertianship  :  was  at  Washington 
after  that.  Father  Quinn  went  from  here  to  Europe  to  make  his  tertianship  ; 
his  relatives  live  there ;  he  returned  in  1884  and  is  now  at  Troy.  Father 
Brocard  was  the  first  Provincial  I  remember  ;  he  was  a  Belgian  ;  Fathers 
Stonestreet  and  Villiger  followed ;  Father  Paresce,  an  Italian,  was 
the  next  ;  he  was  a  holy  man  and  well  liked.  Father  Keller,  of  the  Western 
Province,  was  Provincial  two  terms  ;  so  was  Father  Brady,  who  was  a  great 
favorite,  now  President  of  Worcester  College.  Father  Fulton  the  present 
Provincial,  is  a  Virginian,  an  able  man,  and  seems  to  be  succeeding  ad- 
mirably. 

Father  Finnegan  was  an  Irishman  but  became  a  Jesuit  in  the  U.  S,  He 
labored  at  St.  Inigoes,  but  his  mind  giving  away  he  was  no  longer  allowed 
to  perform  his  priestly  offices.  He  remained  there  as  a  pensioner  until  the 
house  was  burned  in  1870,  when  he  was  sent  to  Conewago  wheie  he  still  re- 
mains. He  had  great  talents  and  was  a  fine  scholar  and  preacher.  He  is 
now  in  his  85th  year,  and  is  blind.  There  was  a  Fr.  Timothy  Kelley  here 
about  Fr.  Steinbacher's  time  ;  he  was  an  Irishman  :  also  Brother  Quinlan, 
who  taught  a  small  school.  Brother  Gahau,  an  old  Irishman  was  cook  for 
years,  also  Bro.  Redmond,  an  excellent  scholar  :  there  was  a  Bro.  Doyle,  a 
painter,  about  1858  or  '60,  who  gave  the  interior  of  the  church  some  touches. 
Bro.  Maurice  Cavanaugh  was  also  one  of  the  cooks  ;  he  was  original  and 
warm-hearted,  and  thought  the  Germans  had  not  a  single  virtue.  The  great- 
er number  of  Brothers  who  were  here  might  be  called  "  institutions  "  ;  they 
all  remained  so  long.  The  present  Brothers  are.  Donovan,  McGonigle 
and  Hamilton,  all  worthy  representatives  of  their  native  land. 

The  Sisters  of  Charity  were  the  first  who  had  a  school  at  McSherrys- 
town.  The  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  came  about  1840  ;  Madam  Gallitzin, 
niece  of  the  great  Father,  was  the  General  of  the  order.  They  imagined  the 
climate  was  unhealthy  and  left ;  the  house  remained  vacant  for  about  four 
years,  when  some  members  of  the  order  returned.  Their  school  was  suc- 
cessful until  Madam  Verhulst,  a  Belgian,  was  sent  as  Superior,  who  did  not 
believe  in  American  customs,  especially  of  having  fires  in  winter.  The 
house  was  again  vacant,  when  in  1854,  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  took  posses- 
sion and  have  been  very  successful.  Many  have  been  received  into  the 
Order  from  among  the  Catholics  of  the  Valley.  Two  daughters  of  Samuel 
Sneeringer  entered  about  1858 ;  Matilda,   a  daughter  of  Bernard  Noel,  Sister 


194  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Lucy  ;   Mary  Fleshman,    Sister  Berchman  ;  Miss  Creighton,  of  McSherrys- 
town,  entered  about  fifteen  years  ago,  Sister  Stanislaus,  teacher  of  drawing 
and  painting  ;  a  lady  of  remarkable  talents.      Samuel   Sneeringer   has  two 
daughters  at   Chestnut   Hill,  Sister  St.  Ephreni   and  Sister   Raphael,    both 
teachers  of  music.      Miss   Poist,  of  McSherrystown,  is  a  useful  member  at 
Lebanon.     Miss  Busby,  daughter  of  J.  Busby,  is  in  religion  Sister  St.  John  ; 
she  has  two  Sisters  at  Chestnut  Hill.      Salome  Noel,  sister  of   the  Jesuits 
Fabian  and  Michael,  is  a  member  of  St.  Joseph's,  also  Anna  Brady.      Joseph 
Sneeringer  had  a  daughter,  Kate,  who  joined  the   Sacred    Heart,   and   died 
many  years   ago.      Madames  Gubernator.  Sullivan  and  Bumgardner,   were 
all  from  these  parts,  also  Madam  Donaho,  an  orphan,  who  was  raised  by  the 
Lilly   family.      Madam   Bowles   was  a  daughter   of   Mrs  Sullivan,   a  poor 
widow,   whose  children   were   raised   by   strangers ;  there   was    a    Jesuit 
among  them,  now  in  California,  a  most  talented  man  now  over  sixty.     Mad- 
am Bowles  was  a  widow,  very  talented,  and   the   nuns   educated    her;   she 
was  afterwards  Superior  at  Eden   Hall   until  her   death.      Sister    Willet, 
daughter  of  George  W.,  is  a  religious  of  the  Sacred  Heart.     Sister  Tuttle.  an 
orphan  raised  by  Miss  Sally  Lilly,  belongs  to  the  S.  H.;  she  entered  at  Eden 
Hall.    Norrisdale,  in    1855,    where   she   still    resides,  aged   about   50.      Ann 
Smith,  daughter  of  the  late  Joseph   Smith,  near   Irishtown,   is  at  Chestnut 
Hill  as  Sr.  Bridget,  aged  about  fifty,  twenty-five  in  religion.     Miss  Noel,  of 
Paradise,  entered  many  years  ago;  Madie  Noel,  of  New   Oxford,   and   Miss 
Koehler,  of  Abbottstown,  have  been  lately  received  at  St.   Joseph's.      Two 
sisters  of  David  C.  Smith  died  in  that  Order,  Helen  and  Verliuda.     Matthias 
Martin,  dec'd.  of  Irishtown,  had  a  daughter  who  entered  at   McSherrystown 
about  12  years  ago,  Sister  Agnes  ;  she  died   s*bout   two  years  ago,   aged   34. 
He  had   two   daughters  Sisters  of  Charity  ;  one  died  young,   Caroline  ;   the 
other,  Agnes,  is  still  living,  and  has  been  a  member  for  thirty   years.      Two 
of  the  Dellones,  and  Miss  Shorb,  of   Littlestown,    became   Sisters  of  Charity 
years  ago  ;  the   latter,   Sr.  Ann  Alexis,  was  widely  known    as  one   of  the 
most  useful  and  zealous  members  of  her  order  ;  she  died  a  few   years  ago  in 
St  Louis,  at  an  advanced  age,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  her.     Sister  M.  Clare, 
of  Frederick,  is  a  sister  of  the  Fathers  Lilly  ;  she  joined  the  Visitation  Order 
at  the  age  of  eighteen,  and  is  now  fifty-four.      Her   life   has   been   spent   in 
teaching   the   higher   branches,   and   she   is  a   beautiful   penswoman,   and 
always  teaches   one  of  the  first  classes  in  writing.     There  is   one,  though   of 
the  colored  race,  must  not  be  forgotten,  she  was  taken  from  the  county  alms- 
house by  Mrs.  Valinda  Jenkins,  who  raised  her  with  a  mother's  care  ;  Susan 
Jones   was   her   name  ;  she  showed  remarkable  piety  in  her   childhood   and 
youth,  and  no  weather  ever  kept  her   from   Mass  or   Holy  Communion.     At 
length  her  pious  wishes  were  crowned  with  success  and  she  became  an  Oblate 
Sister  at  Baltimore,  where  she  lived  a  most  holy  life  and  died  Jan.  17th, 1868, 
the  very  day  on  which  her   good  and    beloved   Mistress  breathed   her   last. 
May   they   both  rest  in  peace.     Mr.  Joseph   Clunk,   of   McSherrystown,   has 
two   daughters  of   St.  Joseph,— Mary  entered  about  1870,  Sister   Antoinette  ; 
Alphonse  entered  about  1880.     Annie  Kuhn,  daughter  of  Edw.  J.,  and  grand- 
daughter of  the  late  Judge  Kuhn,  is  a  Sister  of  Charity    at  St.   Louis.      She 
entered   at  McSherrystown  in  1877,  at  the  age   of   sixteen.      Rosa,  daughter 
of  J.  E.  Smith,  entered  at  McSherrystown  several  years  ago  ;  she  has  an  aunt 
there,— Sister  De  Sales.     Annie  McSherry,   of  White   Hall,   became  a   Sis- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  195 

ter  at  Chestnut  Hill.      There  may  be   others,    whose   names   have   escaped 
memory,  or  who  joined  the  orders  years  ago. 

Wm.  Gubernator,  a  German,  was  the  first  organist  at  Conewago.  He 
was  self-taught.  His  son,  John  L.,  succeeded  and  held  the  office  many 
years,  through  Father  Lekeu's  time.  He  was  a  fine  musician,  and  had  a 
deep,  sonorus  voice.  Miss  Baumgardner,  who  taught  school,  had  charge  a 
while  ;  she  joined  the  S.  H.  about  1849.  Prof.  Bolster  and  family  acted  in 
that  capacity  for  a  short  time,  and  also  one  of  the  elder  Smiths.  John  Brady 
succeeded,  having  taken  lessons  in  Baltimore  ;  he  served  faithfully  for 
thirty-two  years.  D.  C.  Smith  has  charge  at  present ;  he  is  also  a  good  mu- 
sician and  a  fine  singer. 

Rev.  Patrick  Duddy  was  at  Conewago  for  two  years,  about  1865,  rather 
as  an  invalid  though  he  did  considerable  duty.  He  was  born  in  Ireland 
about  1820,  and  was  for  a  long  time  a  prefect  and  teacher  at  Georgetown 
College.  He  has  been  stationed  at  St.  Joseph's.  Phila.,  since,  and  is  still  in 
delicate  health.  Father  McNierny  was  there  about  the  same  time  ;  he  was 
born  in  Washington  about  1824  ;  ordained  about  1862  ;  he  afterwards  left  the 
Society,  but  died  an  edifying  death  about  1870.  Fathers  Lynch  and  Gibbons 
were  at  Conewago  about  the  time  of  Fathers  Steinbacher  and  Tuffer,  1844  to 
1846.  Father  GibboDs  died  young,  at  White  Marsh  ;  he  was  born  about  1820. 
Father  Lynch  died  recently  ;  he  was  born  in  Ireland  about  1814.  Father 
Dora  Pieri,  I  think  was  born  in  Trent  and  educated  in  Rome  ;  and  place  the 
date  of  his  birth  at  about  1820.  Father  Charlin,  who  succeeded  him  for  two 
months  at  Conewago,  was  a  Frenchman,  born  about  1814  or  '16.  Father 
Cattani  was  a  Bavarian,  but  hib  father  was  an  Italian.  Fathers  Enders, 
Cattaui  and  George  Villiger  were  educated  together  at  the  same  College  ; 
and  if  Father  Enders  had  been  buried  at  Conewago  where  he  desired  to  be, 
and  which  had  such  great  claims  as  a  fit  resting  place  for  him.  all  three 
would  have  lived  together  in  death  as  they  did  in  life,  though  I  am  sure 
their  souls  are  happy  in  Heaven.  As  the  dates  are  given  only  from  memory, 
they  may  not  be  exactly  correct. 

Fathers  Thomas  and  Samuel  Lilly  were  born  in  the  red  brick  house 
along  Lilly's  dam,  standing  yet.  They  were  sons  of  Henry  Lilly,  who  was 
a  son  of  John,  and  he  a  son  of  Samuel,  who  came  from  Bristol  about  1730. 
He  was  a  fuller  in  England  ;  the  Lillys  carried  on  a  woolen  mill  for  many 
years  along  the  Conewago.  Several  of  them  represented  York  County  in 
the  General  Assembly  before  1800. 

In  Conclusion.- There  are  yet  many  things  connected  with  the 
growth  of  the  Catholic  Church,  that  we  should  like  to  notice,  but  more  time 
and  labor  have  already  been  given  than  can  well  be  spared.  The  Councils 
form  an  interesting  part  of  the  history  of  the  Church  in  America,  and  so  her 
various  institutions  of  religion  and  learning,  but  we  are  compelled  to  forego 
further  mention.  The  history  of  Conewago  dates  back  to  the  time  when 
there  were  only  a  few  priests  and  a  few  Catholic  churches  in  America  ;  now 
there  are  thousands,  and  millions  of  the  faithful.  One  hundred  years  ago 
we  found  no  colleges  ;  now  the  great  project  of  founding  a  Catholic  Univer- 
sity has  taken  definite  shape  and  Washington  has  been  selected  as  its  site. 
During  the  Council  in  Baltimore,  in  Nov.,  1884,  a  pious  and  wealthy  Cath- 
olic lady  presented  several  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  purpose,  and 


196  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

the  Bishops  and  priests  are  making:  every  effort  t)  has  en  on  the  gieat  desire 
of  the  Church  in  America.  Will  this  country  ever  have  a  Catholic  daily 
paper  ?  The  Catholic  press  is  stronger  and  more  prosperous  than  ever  before. 
Rome  has  showered  favors  on  the  Church  in  our  country,  by  bestowing  bless- 
ings on  her,  and  honors  and  titles  on  her  most  worthy  clergy.  Leo  XIII.  is  a 
watchful  Vicar  of  Christ,  a^d  the  needs  of  the  Church  and  the  care  of  the 
faithful  find  in  him  a  noble  guardian,— a  worthy  successor  of  the  saintly 
Pontiff,  Pius  IX.,  who  truly  bore  many  crosses  from  Heaven  that  the  light 
might  come  after  him,  and  some  day  they  will  be  numbered  among  the 
saints  by  the  church  militant.  The  American  Church  is  now  without  a  Car- 
dinal, but  Catholics  are  looking  hopefully  and  expectantly  towards  Rome, 
from  New  York,  from  Baltimore  and  from  the  West.  They  who  next  bear 
this  high  rank  will  be  eminently  deserving,  and  there  is  none  more  so  than 
the  Primate  of  the  Church  in  America  who  presided  at  the  late  Council, 
Archbishop  Gibbons  of  Baltimore.  As  yet  the  Church  in  the  East  commands 
attention  by  reason  of  age,  strength  and  wealth  ;  but  already  the  church  in 
the  West  is  making  itself  heard  and  felt,  and  the  day  will  come  when  the 
East  will  pay  tribute  to  the  West  in  ecclesiastical  affairs  as  well  as  in  mat- 
ters of  politics,  trade  and  finance.  Catholics  have  everywhere  their  schools, 
and  the  question  now  agiteted.  of  greatest  interest  to  them,  is  their  being 
compelled  to  support  the  public  schools  where  they  send  no  children.  This 
can  only  be  accomplished  by  supporting  men  and  measures,  and  not  blindly 
following  any  party  as  has  been  too  much  the  case  heretofore.  The  Catholic 
Church  as  an  institution  in  this  country  has  succeeded  so  prudently  and 
wisely  thus  far,  that  it  occupies  a  most  desirable  vantage  ground  in  Ameri- 
can history,  past  and  present,  and  has  a  most  hopeful  future.  Never  has  it 
been  found  wanting  in  true  religion,  education,  science  and  patriotism. 
While  skepticism  and  infidelity  are  now  proclaiming  themselves  boldly  in 
the  public  places,  and  millions  are  following  the  vvorldliness  and  tendency 
of  the  age  to  unrestraint  in  mind  and  morals,  threatening  ultimate  chaos  to 
all  profession  of  faith  in  revealed  truth  and  the  teaching  of  ages,  the  Cath- 
olic Church  stands  firm  as  the  Rock  on  which  she  is  built. 

Many  are  led  away,  alas  !  by  the  false  glamor  of  a  progress  as  deceptive 
as  it  is  base  and  hollow.  This  age  "  lives  too  fast,"  without  the  fear  of  God 
before  it  or  a  thought  of  what  is  to  come  hereafter.  In  many  things  the 
Church  is  led  away  by  the  vvorldliness  of  the  age.  and  is  bound  to  share 
eventually  in  its  results.  At  all  times  and  under  all  circumstances,  God 
has  raised  up  some  one  for  its  safety  and  protection,  and  the  gates  of  hell 
shall  never  prevail  against  the  Church  that  He  has  promised  to  be  with  for- 
ever. Never  was  there  greater  necessity  for  the  watchfulness  of  the  Cath- 
olic Church  than  now.  May  she  not  be  found  sleeping  when  the  bridegroom 
cometh ! 

The  Church  has  every  reason  to  rejoice,  while  at  the  same  time  there 
are  causes  of  regret  in  the  spiritual  and  natural  order  of  things.  Even  now 
she  is  mourning  for  the  loss  of  her  highest  prelate  and  first  Cardinal.  John 
McCloskey.  He  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  March  20th,  1810,  and  was 
baptized  by  Father  A.  Kohlman,  S.  J.,  the  first  pastor  of  Old  St.  Peter's,  in 
New  York.  Cardinal  McCloskey  was  educated  at  Mt.  St.  Mary's,  and  or- 
dained by  Father  Dubois  Jan.  22d,  1834  ;  consecrated  Bishop  March  10th, 
1844 ;  succeeded  Archbishop  Hughes  in  1864,  and  created  a  Cardinal  Priest 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


19' 


in  1875.  The  history  of  his  life  is  the 
history  of  the  Catholic  Church  in 
New  York.  He  was  loved,  honored 
and  respected  by  all.  When  created 
a  Cardinal,  it  surprised  the  Ameri- 
can world  and  gave  rise  to  much 
speculation  as  to  the  intentions  of 
the  Catholic  Church,  but  when  he 
died  not  a  voice  was  raised  except  to 
praise  and  bless  him.  His  life  was 
full  of  great  works  and  good  deeds, 
that  will  live  after  him  to  the  glory 
of  God.  He  died  on  Saturday,  Oct. 
10th,  1885,  at  12-50  a.  m.  He  was 
buried  beneath  the  altar  of  the  mag- 
nificent Cathedral  in  New  York, Oct. 
15th.  Thousands  attended  the  fu- 
neral ceremonies,  and  many  priests 
and  Bishops  were  present.  Arch- 
bishop Corrigan  celebrated  Pontifi- 
cal Mass.  Archbishop  Gibbons 
preached  the  sermon. 

The  last  moments  of  the  late  Car- 
dinal were  happy  and  peaceful.     It 
was  midnight  Friday  night  when  the 
dying  Cardinal  opened  his  eyes,  and 
a  smile   came  upon   his   white    lips. 
The  strong,  saintly   spirit  seemed  to 
shine  for  a  moment  in  the  thin  feat- 
ures, aad  then  the  eyes  closed  again. 
Slower  and  slower  the  white  raiment 
of    the   couch   rose  and    fell.       One 
wasted  hand  held    a  silver  crucifix 
and  the  other  pressed  it  to  his  bosom. 
There  was  deep  peace  upon  the  still 
face,    and    the    snowy    locks    were 
brushed     back    upon    the    pillow. — 
Worn  with  watching  and  nursing. 
Dr.  Keyes  sat  near  his  patient  and 
looked  into  the  venerable  counte- 
nance   with    great     tenderness. — 
Archbishop  Corrigan  stood  at  the 
foot  of  the  bed,  robed  in  black  cas- 
sock with  purple  sash.     His  head 
was    bowed  and   his  lips   moved. 
Mgr.  Farley  gazed  upon  the  dying 
man  with  moistened  eyes,  and  the 
Rev.    Dr.    McDonnell,  tall,    clear- 
eyed  and  sorrowful,  stood  beside 
Mgr.    Preston.     Soon    the    doctor 


OLD   ST.    PETER'S. 

We  close  this  sketch  with  an  engraving 
from  an  old  print  of  the  first  Catholic 
church  in  New  York  city.  'It  was  here  the 
cardinal  was  baptized,  and  he  was  the  last 
living  priest  to  remember  the  old  building. 
It  was  completed  on  Nov.  4,  1775,  and  will 
shortlv  celebrate  its  100th  anniversary.  On 
its  site  stands  the  present  St.  P  ter's,  in  the 
rear  of  the  Astor  nous  3.  Thousands  upon 
thousands  of  emigrants  landing  on  our 
shores  hav^  sought  out  this  church  to  return 
thanks  to  Providence  for  their  safe  passage 


198  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

raised  his  hand  and  whispered  that  it  would  all  be  over.  Then  the  Cardi- 
nal's nieces  entered  the  room.  They  were  clad  in  black.  As  the  ladies  ap- 
proached the  deathbed  several  pale  nuns  stole  softly  in  at  the  door,  and 
four  pi iests  from  the  Vicar  General's  house  came  in  after  them.  All  the 
watchers  knelt.  The  weary  eyes  opened  for  the  last  time.  At  the  feet  of 
the  dying  man  was  a  small  table,  whereon,  between  two  burning  tapers  up- 
held by  golden  angels,  was  a  glittering  crucifix,  and  in  the  center  of  it  two 
pieces  of  the  true  cross  of  Christ.  At  the  left  was  another  bright  taper,  and 
beside  it  lay  the  scarlet  cap  of  the  Cardinal.  From  the  walls  pictures  of  St. 
John,  the  Cardinal's  patron  saint,  and  of  the  Virgin  Mary  looked  down  in  the 
dim  light.  At  the  side  of  the  bed  was  Father  Dubresse  murmuring  prayers 
for  the  dying.  The  priest's  eyes  dwelt  lovingly  upon  those  of  his  superior 
when  they  opened.  There  was  a  soft  sound  of  crying  as  the  ladies  ap- 
proached the  death  couch.  Again  the  strong  soul  and  fine  intellect  dwelt  in 
the  face,  and  again  the  eyes  closed.  The  light  sparkled  on  the  little  silver 
crucifix,  and  shone  in  the  well-worn  Bishop's  ring  upon  the  white  hand. 
Still  Father  Dubresse  prayed  for  the  gentle  spiritual  shepherd.  The  low 
trembling  voice  vibrated  all  through  the  room.  Then  the  light  seemed  to 
die  upon  the  white  walls  as  the  Cardinal  met  his  last  soriow.  The  dying 
face  writhed  with  pain,  the  weak  hand  clasped  the  crucifix  still  closer,  and 
the  sobbing  of  the  ladies  was  heard  as  they  knelt.  Now  the  white  raiment  of 
the  couch  hardly  moved  at  all.  The  loving  priest  had  ceased  his  prayers. 
A  strong  sigh  broke  from  the  lips  of  the  dying  man,  and  then  there  came 
into  his  face  the  smile  of  one  who  has  reached  home  after  a  day  of  labor. 
No  one  said  it.     The  doctor     did    not  move   from   his  place.      The   broken 

hearted  women  and  the  meek-eyed  priests  still  knelt.  But  there  came  into 
the  room  a  hush,  and  the  watchers  knew  that  the  Cardinal's  throne  was 
vacant 


Corrections  and  Additions. 

In  the  hurry  and  confusion  of  a  printing  office,  wherein  most  of  the 
labor  on  this  book  was  done,  many  typographical  errors  have  crept  in.  and 
on  the  same  account  its  grammatical  construction  is  often  faulty  and  com- 
monplace, much  in  the  line  of  newspaper  work.  The  facts  and  dates  have 
received  more  particular  attention,  and  are  as  nearly  correct  as  possible  un- 
der the  circumstances  interposed  by  time  and  life's  fitful  tide.  The  really 
intelligent  reader  will  understand  Ml  this  and  more.  For  the  rest  we  care 
not.  The  mite  we  have  to  offer  will  never  be  noticed  by  the  great  buil- 
ders of  the  Church's  history.  If  it  affords  an  humble  soul  any  little  satis- 
faction, our  greatest  expectations  are  more  than  realized  ;  and  from  such,  a 
fervent  prayer  in  our  behalf  will  be  a  greater  reward  than  is  deserved. 

The  encouragement  and  assistance  given  us  by  many  good  priests  and 
pious  persons,"  will  ever  be  kindly  remembered.  To  Father  Thomas  C.  Mid- 
dleton,  O.  S.  A.,  of  Villanova,  we  are  especially  indebted  ;  also  to  Father 
John  A.  Morgan,  S.  J.,  of  Woodstock,  now  of  St.  Joseph's,  Philadelphia  ; 
and  to  Martin  I.  J.  Griffin,  Esq.,  the  Catholic  historian  of  Old  St.  Joseph's. 
May  their  labors  in  the  great  work  before  the  Church  in  America  be  suc- 
cessful ;  and  their  reward,  promised  to  every  faithful  servant  by  the  good 
Master  of  us  all,  full  beyond  measure.      Our  obligations  are   gratefully  ac- 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  199 

knowledged  to  the  Catholic  Publication  Society,  of  New  York,  Laurence 
Kehoe,  Esq.,  Manager  ;  and  to  the  Catholic  Mirror  Publishing  Co.,  of  Balti- 
more, for  courtesies  extended. 

Such  corrections  and  additions  are  here  made  as>  seem  most  necessary, 
leaving  the  rest  to  the  reader's  intelligent  judgment  and    kind    forbearance. 

Page  41. — The  Franciscan  Missionaries  sent  to  Maryland  were,  Father 
Massey,  1672  ;  Polycarp  Whicksted,  1674  ;  Basil  Hobart,  1675  ;  Henry  Fran- 
cisco, 1675  ;  Edwaid  Golding,  Henry  Carew,  Superior  of  the  Missions,  1677., 
Olivers  Collections,  p.  541. 

Page  43. — "  Josiah  Creighton  "  is  a  traditional  name.      Father  Greaton's 

name  was  Joseph,  and  Old  St.  Joseph's,  Phila.,  was  built  by  him  and  named 
after  him. 

Page  45.— Some  claim  Fr.  Henry  Neale  died  at  St.  Inigoes.  Conewago 
was  always  subject  to  the  Maryland  Missions  to  which  it  belonged. 

Page  47.— Reference  to  Gov.  Gordon,  who  died   in   Phila.,  in    1736:   Mr. 

Griffin  thinks  Gov.  Morris  is  meant.     (  See  Pa.  Archives  and  Rupp's  History 

of  Lancaster  Co.)     Fr.  Wapeler,  also  spelt   Wappelar,    was  in  America  eight 

years,  and  the  date  of  his  purchase  in  Lancaster  may  have  been  earlier  than 

1740. 

Page  50. — Two  last  lines  and  first  two  lines  of  first  paragraph  refer  to 
each   other. 

St.  Tiiomas  Manor  not  alwaj^s  the  residence  of  Superiors  ;  ceased  to  be  so 
fifty  years  ago. 

John  Baptist  De  Ritter,  S.  J.,  was  second  pastor  of  Goshenhoppen,  1765 
to  1785  ;  visited  Haycock,  Reading.  Makunzie,  Cedar  Creek,  Sharp  Mount- 
ain ;  was  at  Allentown  in  1774:  died  Feb.  3d,  1787. 

Page  52. — Father  Pellentz  made  Conewago  his  home  from  1758  until  his 
death  in  1800. 

Page  53. — Father  Carroll  at  Conewago  :  Mr.  Griffin  makes  the  date 
1785. 

Page  55. — Erection  of  Conewago  church  begun:  From  a  scrap  of  a 
report  to  the  Society  b>  Father  Enders,  we  see  that  preparations  were  made 
as  early  as  1785,  as  great  labor  was  involved  by  the  dressing  of  the  stone  and 
hauling  them  from  near  East  Berlin. 

Page  57.— Father  Molyneaux,  (  so  spelled  by  Father  Neale.  to  whom   the 

title  of  the  Conewago  property  descended  ;  spelled  nenx  in  Soc.  rec.,)    was 

Superior  of  the  Jesuits  ;  died  Dec,  9th,  1808  ;  was  President  of   Georgetown 

College,  where  he  is  buried.     In  his  diary  there  is  the  following  entry  :  May 

15th.  1775,  would  speak  to  Mr.  Cauffman  about  signing  over  lands  in  Pigeon 

Hills  to  Mr.  Lewis.     Father  Lewis  succeeded  him    as  Superior  ;  but   we  do 

not  know  what  land  was  meant,  except  that  it  was  a  tract  about  two  miles 

from  Abbottstown.       It   may   have   been  the   "''  Seminary  "  land,   and  that 

Joseph  Heront  came   into  possession  of    it  through  his  acquaintance  with 

Father  Molyneaux,  as  they  were  both  exiles  from  France. 

Page  58.— Father  Brosius  founded  a  school  at  Mount  Airy,  where 
not  so. 

Page  60.— Herr  Schmett,  (  Mr.  Smith,)  Father  Gallitzin  :  James  McSher- 

ry,  member  of  the  Penn.  Legislature  from  Adams  Co.,  in   1811,   introduced 

the  resolution  authorizing    Father    Smith    to    assume    his    right    name    of 

Gallitzin. 

Page  62.— Father  Roloff  was  pastor  of  the  Holy  Trinity  (  German  ) 
church,  Philadelphia,  in  1826. 


200  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Page  63. — Fr.  James  Cummiskey,  a  secular  priest,  pastor  of  Old  St. 
Joseph's,  Phila.,  in  1824-5,  was  a  brother  of  Eugene  Cummiskey,  Catholic 
publisher  about  forty  years  ago,  and  uncle  of  the  late  Eugene  C,  also  a 
publisher. 

1830,  Sunday;  Sept.  26th.  at  Conewago.  by  Bishop  Kenrick,  Rev.  James 
Bradley  ordained  priest  ;  Thomas  Gegan,  Thos.  R.  Butler,  F.  X.  Gartland, 
Edward  Sourin,  sub-deacons  ;  368  confirmed  at  9  a.  m. 

Page  63. — Father  Beschter  was  stationed  at  Frederick  in  1816-18,  with 
Father  Maleve  ;  was  Rector  of  St.  John's,  Balto.,  in  1824  ;  was  at  Georgetown 
College  in  1829.  Father  Randanne  came  to  this  country  in  1817  ;  was  Pro- 
fessor of  Latin  at  St.  Mary's  College,  Balto.,  died  at  St.  Charles  College, 
Howard  Co.,  Md.,  in  1864.  Father  Alexius  Elder  was  born  in  Oct.,  1791; 
died  in  Jan.,  1871. 

Page  63. — The  Pope  who  suppressed  the  Jesuits  against  his  will,  was 
Clement  XIV. 

Page  65.— For  reference  to  Frs.  Britt  and  Byrne  see  Laity's  Directory  of 
1822,  nut  now  in  our  reach  ;  maybe  White  Marsh,  England,  but  we  think 
Russia  is  correct. 

Page  68. — Dween  and  Divin  are  no  doubt  the  same  ;  he  attended  the 
York  church  and  was  at  Carlisle  as  late  as  1840. 

Page  69. — Zacchi  should  be  Sacchi,  and  Readier  Kendeler.  Hatting  we 
can  find  no  trace  of  and  think  it  a  mistake  for  Cotting.  as  Father  Cotting 
built  the  York  church  and  not  Hatting  as  we  have  stated.  Father  Sacchi 
attended  York  from  1841  to  1843. 

Page  69. — Rev.  Nicholas  Steinbauher.  S.  J.,  in  May,  1842,  blesses  corner- 
stone of  the  Immaculate  Conception  Church.  Nippenose  Valley  ;  in  June,  1842, 
blesses  corner-stone  of  St.  John  the  Baptist  Church,  Pottsville  ;  visits  Dan- 
ville from  Nippenose  Valley,  where  he  goes  four  times  a  year  ;  was  at  Leb- 
anon in  1843.  Father  Steinbacher  would  be  gone  from  Conewago  two  and 
three  Weeks,  attending  the  Mountain  Missions  and  those  in  '•Nipper's11 
Valley,  as  he  entered  the  name  in  his  diary,  1844  to  '46. 

Page  70. — Monaschei  should  be  Monachesi. 

Page  74.— The  statement  that  Father  Enders  built  the  old  school  houses 
is  doubted,  and  believed  to  have  been  built  by  Father  Lekeu.  Father 
Enders  put  up  the  first  iron  fence  before  the  church. 

Page  75. — 16th  line— Bellair  or  Bell  Air  ;  21st  line— ante-peni7i<mi. 

Page  81. — Sisters  Anne  and  Agnes  first  two  sisters. 

Page  90.— 15th  line— School  or  novitiate.     (  Is  "noviceship  11  in  will.) 

Page  103. — James  J.  Gormley  pastor  of  Bonneauville. 

Page  106.— The  corner-stone  of  the  Mountain  Church  said  to  have  been 
blessed  by  Rev.  Fenan,  S.  J.  We  have  never  heard  of  the  name  before, 
especially  not  of  the  Society  of  Jesus.  It  may  have  been  Phelan.  who  atten- 
ded Chambersburg  before  1800.  He  was  a  "traveling  priest,11  further  we 
know  not  ;  his  name  is  spelled  Phelan,  Failin,  Feilin,  and  several  other 
ways.  He  is  mentioned  by  Finotti.  Who  was  he  ?  He  is  mentioned  as  far 
west  as  the  Ohio,  and  through  Cumberland,  Potomac  and  Shenandoah  Val- 
leys. 

Page  109. — Father  Zocchi  was  ordained  in  Rome,  which  he  visited  short- 
ly after  1800.  See  Life  of  Mother  Seton.  There  is  a  book  of  his  preserved 
hy  some  one  at  Westminster,   wherein  his  ordination  is  recorded. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  201 

Page  11G. — The  Hagerstown  Church  :— The  name  Tieman  should  be 
Tierau  or  Tiernan.  Frs.  Cahill  and  Gallitzin  from  about  1818,  3d  line  from 
the  bottom.  Page  117. — Rev.  James  Redmond  seems  to  have  taken  charge 
of  the  Hagerstown  church  during  the  summer  of  1818,  when  the  records 
begin.  Corner-stone  laid  in  1826,  not  '25.  The  church  was  dedicated  Oct. 
5th,  1828,  by  Archbishop  Whitfield,  of  Balto.  Rev.  J.  Ryan  was  pastor,  still 
remembered  by  some  of  the  old  members  of  the  congregation  as  a  man  of 
great  peisonal  influence.  He  was  sometimes  called  upon  to  quell  disturban- 
ces along  the  Canal,  and  succeeded  better  in  restoring  order  than  a  company 
of  soldiers.  He  is  buried  in  front  of  the  church.  See  sketch  of  the  dedica- 
tion in  U.  S.  Catholic  Miscellany.  Charleston,  Oct.  18th.  1828.  High  Mass 
was  sung  by  the  Archbishop,  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  McGerryand  Rev.  J.  Purcell, 
of  Mt.  St.  Mary's.  Thirty-two  persons  were  confirmed.  Father  Purcell 
preached  an  able  sermon.  Father  Flaut  was  a  saintly  man.  Father  Moran, 
now  in  Princeton,  N.  J.,  labored  zealously  at  Hagerstown  during  the  war, 
and  was  liked  by  all.  Page  120.— 6th  line,  Sisters  received  $700.  In  July, 
1885,  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  left  the  Hagerstown  Mission.  The  School  Sis- 
ters of  Notre  Dame,  Govanstown,  Md.,  took  their  place.  Aug.  10th,  Sister 
Ignatia,  Superior ;  Sisters  Germain,  Geralda  and  Sentfrida,  arrived ; 
about  120  pupils  attend  the  school.  A  Fair  was  held  in  Sept.,  and  §1400  re- 
alized towards  paying  the  debt  on  the  church.  Father  Manly,  the  present 
pastor,  is  laboring  hard  for  the  improvement  of  the  church  and  the  success 
of  the  congregation. 

Page  124.--Armand,  not  the  Marquis  who  died  of  fever  in  Phila.,  in  1798; 
Gen.  Armauu  suffered  death  on  the  guillotine  during  the  French  Revolution. 

Page  127. — Tryer  is  more  correctly  spelled  Treier, 

Page  129— Rev.  Pierce  Maker. 

Page  133.— Father  John  Dubois  lauded  at  Norfolk,  where  not  so;  was 
founder  of  Mt.  St.  Mary's,  and  afterwards  Bishop  of  New  York. 

Page  134. — Richard  and  Wm.  McSherry  were  twin  brothers. 

Page  135. — In  speaking  with  Misses  Anna  and  Magdalene  McSherry,  who 
knew  Father  Whelan  personally,  we  learn  that  he  was  a  man  of  great  merit 
in  every  way  ;  sweet  in  his  disposition  :  plain  in  his  ways  and  self-denying 
to  the  last.  He  was  born  in  Baltimore,  educated  at  Liege  ;  died  in  Balti- 
more ;  and  buried  at  Wheeling,  which  is  greatly  indebted  to  his  labors. 
Leaving  his  See  of  Richmond  because  his  great  peace-loving  soul  was  ever 
willing  to  give  others  their  own  way.  he  went  to  Wheeling,  where  he  be- 
came the  father  of  the  church  and  the  first  Bishop  of  what  will  some  day  be 
a  flourishing  diocese.  Labor  with  him  overcame  all  difficulties  ;  if  he  had 
a  church  to  build  he  collected  the  money  and  worked  at  the  building  with 
his  own  hands  ;  if  he  had  missionary  duties  to  perform,  nothing  could  deter 
him  :  hundreds  of  miles  to  ride  or  walk  were  nothing  to  him  :  if  the  roads 
were  impassable  he  took  to  the  fields  ;  if  the  creeks  were  high  he  took  to  the 
water  and  swam  across.  When  yet  a  priest  he  built  a  small  brick  church 
at  Berkeley  Springs.  While  working  at  the  building  himself  one  day.  some 
strangers  looked  on  and  inquired  of  him  who  the  architect  was  ;  he  answerd 
that  he  was  :  they  asked  him  who  the  contractor  was  ;  he  replied  himself  ; 
and  who  is  the  pastor,  said  they  ;  I  am.  While  in  Europe  he  had  letters  to 
influential  persons,  of  whom  he  asked  aid  in  his  work.  In  Vienna  he  call- 
ed on  a  rich  nobleman,  who  had  many  such  calls  and    was    in   consequence 


202  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

often  compelled  to  limit  his  assistance  to  small  sums.  He  gave  Father 
Whelan  $5,  who  expressed  his  thanks  in  so  earnest  and  sincere  a  manner 
that  the  nobleman  was  moved  to  make  inquiries  as  to  the  merits  of  the  aid 
asked,  and  when  Father  Whelan  returned  to  America  the  gentleman  sent 
him  a  considerable  sum.  The  life  of  Bishop  Whelan  was  most  edifying,  and 
the  example  he  leaves  is  truly  that  of  a  saint. 

In  speaking  to  these  ladies  we  ascertained  further  that  the  Rev.  Sylester 
Boarman,  S.  J., one  of  the  early  priests  at  Georgetown  College,  was  a  brother 
to  the  father  of  Commodore  Boarman,  whose  daughters  Misses  Anna  and 
Nora,  are  now  living  in  Martinsburg:  the  family,  like  that  of  the  McSherrys. 
is  one  of  the  oldest  in  Mar}rland  and  Virginia. 

Page  138. — No  Sister  died  in  Martinsburg  ;  Sister  Victoria's  death  took 
place  only  recently. 

Page  143.— John  Boler  and  August  Thumel  were  ordained  the  Sunday 
before  Christmas,  1885  :  the  Sunday  after  Christmas  there  was  a  Grand  High 
Mass  at  St.  Joseph's,  Martinsburg.  Father  Thumel.  celebrant  ;  Father  Rector 
of  St.  Alphonsus',  Balto.,  deacon  ;  Father  Boler,  sub-deacon  ;  Father  McKee- 
fry,  Pastor,  Master  of  Ceremonies.  Same  Page. — Albert  Carroll's  remains 
were  removed  to  Baltimore  by  the  family. 

Page  144. — Cumberland  Church.— 1879,  Rev.  F.  S.  Ryan  appointed  to  take 
charge  of  a  new  parish  at  Washington.  He  was  at  St.  Patrick's,  Cumber- 
land, for  eight  years  ;  at  his  departure  received  gifts  from  St.  Patrick's  Sun- 
day-school, and  silver  altar  service  from  pupils  of  Sisters  of  Charity  ;  was 
accompanied  to  the  depot  by  Revs.  O'Brien,  of  Lonaconing  ;  O'Connor,  of 
Mt.  Savage  ;  Schmidt,  of  Frostburg,  and  Fenie  of  Barton.  Rev.  Luigi  Sar- 
toris  assistant  at  St.  Patrick's.  The  monument  erected  by  St.  Patrick's  con- 
gregation in  memory  of  the  late  Rev.  Edw.  Brennau,  for  twenty-six  years 
pastor  of  the  church,  was  unveiled  Dec.  9th,  1885,  the  first  anniversary  of  his 
funeral.  It  is  in  St.  Patrick's  Cemetery  ;  of  dark  Quincey  granite,  20  feet 
high,  surmounted  by  a  cross,  and  cost  $800.  Rev.  Ed.  Brennan  was  born 
April  13th,  1827,  in  Kilkenny,  Ireland  :  died  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  Dec.  6th, 
1884;  was  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  from  July  16th,  1858.  The  priests  present 
at  the  unveiling  ceremonies  were,  Fathers  O'Connor,  Clarksburg,  W.  Va. ; 
Mattingly,  Oakland.  Md.  ;  Frioli,  Keyser,  W.  Va.  ;  McDevitt  and  Wunder, 
pastors  of  St.  Patrick's  ;  Schmidt,  of  Frostburg  ;  O'Connor,  of  Mt.  Savage; 
Manning,  of  Lonaconing  ;  Clark,  of  Barton;  Brennan,  of  Westernport : 
Wilson,  of  Harper's  Ferry;  and  Francis  and  Hermann,  of  St.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Church,  Cumberland. 

Page  146.— First  priest  ordained  in  America.  "  Etienne  "  Badin  ;  Mr.  F.  X. 
Deckelmayer  writes  from  Chambersburg,  that  he  was  well  acquainted  with 
Rev.  Stephen  Theodore  Badin  at  Bardstown,  Ky.,  from  1839  to  1843,  where 
he  heard  him  preach  and  say  Mass.  Father  B.  told  him  he  was  the  first 
priest  ordained  in  America,  Fither  Gallitzin  the  second,  and  Father  Floyd, 
an  Englishman,  the  third.  Father  Badin  was  born  in  Orleans,  France,  July 
17th,  1768 ;  was  ordained  priest  in  the  old  Cathedral  church.  Baltimore,  May 
25th,  1793;  he  died  April  21st.  1853,  with  Archbishop  Puicell,  in  Cincinnati. 
Page  148.— Last  line,  I.  H.  S. 

Page  154.— Father  Emig's  birthplace  is  Bensheim,  Diocese  of  Mentz. 
Page  155. — 16th  line,  Althoff's,  where  not  so. 
Page  163. — 17th  line,  contract  awarded  Jan.,  1852. 

Pages  162  and  3.— 4kLaurah  "  Eline  and  4i  Laurah  "  Mclntire  should  be 
Sarati. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  203 

Page  164. — 12th  line,  Mulgrew.  Lewis  Kunierant,  a  native  of  Gettys- 
burg, finished  his  studies  at  Mt.  St.  Mary's  and  became  apriestabout  1881  or  2. 

Page  165. — 7th  line,  in  anticipation  4000  years  ago. 

Page  168. — Fr.  Steinbacher  died. 

Page  169. — The  Painter  Overbach  was  doubtless  Overbeck. 

Page  170. — 3d  line  from  bottom,  Deiparacque. 

Page  173.— Michael  Egan,  O.  S.  F. ;  he  was  assistant  to  Father  De  Barth 
and  attended  Conewago  occasionally  from  Lancaster,  but  did  not  reside  at 
Conewago. 

Page  180.— 2d  line  of  2d  paragraph,  about  28  instead  of  35  years. 

Page  183. — 19th  line,  plies  his  oar. 

Philip  Mayei  was  one  of  the  builders  of  Conewago  Church  in  1787. 
He  had  a  saw  mill  in  the  mountains  and  was  killed  there. 

Many  minor  typographical  errors  have  to  be  passed  by  unnoticed.  Proper 
names  are  sometimes  spelled  differently,  and  names  of  persons  are  often 
hard  to  get  correct.  So  many  names  and  dates  have  made  our  work  partic- 
ularly difficult. 

An  Old  Cause. — From  the  records  of  a  suit  pending  in  the  Circuit 
Court  of  Berkeley  Co.,  W.  Va.,  Mr.  D.  C.  Westenhaver,  a  young  Catholic 
lawyer  of  Martinsburg,  has  prepax-ed  a  sketch  of  an  old  legal  case  that 
thiows  some  light  on  the  early  settlers  of  the  Potomac  Valley.  James  Quinn 
died  in  1805,  and  directed  in  his  will  that  he  should  be  buried  in  the  Catho- 
lic graveyard  near  Smithfield,  or  "  Wizard  Clip.1'  Rev.  Denis  Cahill  and 
Dr.  Richard  McSherry,  both  connected  with  the  Livingston  affair,  were  the 
executors.  The  estate  consisted  mainly  of  bonds,  made  by  one  Josippi  Min- 
ghinni,  for  the  payment  of  the  purchase  money  yet  due  on  a  piece  of  land 
sold  by  Quinn  to  Mijighinni ;  these  were  bequeathed  to  Fr.  Cahill,  J. 
Minghinni  and  the  Misses  McSherry  living  in  Martinsburg.  The  only  indebt- 
edness was  an  open  account  due  Luke  Pentoney,  of  Martinsburg,  but  so  com- 
plicated that  Fr.  Cahill  considered  a  suit  necessary  to  settle  the  amount  due 
before  paying  the  claim.  Before  its  termination.  Fr.  C.  left  for  Ireland  in 
the  Spring  of  1806.  assigning  the  bonds  bequeathed  to  him  to  Luke  Tiernan, 
member  of  the  Catholic  publishing  company,  of  Michael  Tiernan  &  Co.,  Bal- 
timore. The  claim  of  Luke  Pentony  was  finally  paid  by  Josippi  Minghinni, 
the  security  of  the  executor,  Father  Cahill  having  in  the  meantime  died  in 
Europe  in  1816.  It  is  thought  that  one  of  the  bonds  willed  to  him  had  been 
left  with  some  one  to  pay  the  claim,  but  no  proof  exists  except  that  one  of 
the  bonds  was  never  heard  of.  When  the  bonds  assigned  to  Luke  Tiernan 
became  due,  Josippi  Minghinni  declined  to  pay  them,  because  he  expected 
to  be  called  upon  as  security  of  the  assignor,  Fr.  Cahill,  to  pay  the  Pentoney 
claim  yet  in  litigation.  Tiernan  consequently  instituted  suit  upon  these 
bonds  in  1818  ;  and  it  is  to  enforce  the  collection  of  the  judgments  then  ob- 
tained, that  the  present  suit  of  Tiernan  vs.  Minghinni  was  brought.  These 
matters  have  continued  in  controversy  in  one  form  or  another  to  this  day, 
and  the  case  has  now  gone  to  the  Court  of  Appeals  for  the  third  time,  a 
striking  monument  to  the  "'  law's  delays, "equaling  in  antiquity  and  interest 
Dickens'  famous  creation  of  '"  Jarndyce  vs.  Jarndyce,"  in  the  Bleak  House. 
Three  generations  of  litigants,  a  host  af  lawyers  on  one  side  and  the  other, 
many  of  whom  have  been  men  of  national  reputation,  have  passed  away,  but 
the  cause  still  continues  on  the  docket.     The  names  of  Catholics  mentioned 


204  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

iu  this  connection,  the  presence  of  Father  Cahill  in  Martinsburg,  and  the 
existence  of  a  graveyard  known  distinctly  as  'Catholic."'  prove  that  the 
pioneers  of  the  church  and  the  Church  itself  had  found  a  home  here  much 
earlier  than  is  generally  believed  by  historians.  It  is  also  a  fair  inference 
that  Mass  was  celebrated  at  certain  intervals  in  Martinsburg  before  1800, 
and  not  after  that  as  the  date  of  the  first  Mass  is  generally  placed. 

SUPERIORS  OF  THE  MARYLAND  JESUIT  MISSIONS. 


1633.  Andrew  White  ;  1636,  Philip  Fisher,  alias  Percy,  alias  Thomas  Cop- 
ley;  1639,  John   Brock,  or   Poulton;   1642,  Philip  Fisher,  alias  Percy  ;   1645, 
Bernard  Hartwell.     The  Society  was  dispersed    and    its   members   fled    into 
Virginia.     1646  to  '51,  Philip  Fisher;  1654,  Francis  Fitzherbert.      1656.  Soci- 
ety again  dispersed.     1661,  Henry  Warren,  alias  Pelham  ;  1678,  Michael  Fos- 
ter, alias  Gulkk  ;  1684,  Francis  Pennington  ;  1686,  Thos.  Harvey,  alias  Barton; 
1690,  Francis   Pennington  ;   1696,  Wm.  Hunter,  alias   VVeldon  ;   1701.  Robert 
Brooks  or  Brooke  ;   Peter  Atwood,    Thomas   Mansell,   alias   Harding:   1725, 
George  Thorold  ;   1735,  Vincent   Philips;   1736,  Richard    Molyueaux  ;   1740, 
Thomas  Poulton,   alias   Brook,    alias  Underhill  :    1747,  George  Hunter.      In 
Oct.  1756,  he  returned  to  England  ;  came  back  in  July,  1757  ;  Jacob   Ashby, 
alias  Middlehurst,  Superior  in  the  interim.     He   went   to   England    in    1769, 
and  in  1770,  Ferdinand  Farmer,  true  name  Steinmeyer,  Superior   during  his 
absence.     1771.  John  Lewis,  until    Bishop   Carroll    was    appointed    in  1783  ; 
Robert  Molyneux,  1805  ;  Charles  Neale,  1808  ;  John  A.  Grassi,  1812  ;  Anthony 
Kohlman,    1817  ;  Peter   Kenney,    1819  ;  Charles  Neale,  1821;   Francis  Dzier- 
ozynski,    1823  ;     Peter  Kenney,    1830.        In  1831   the   Missions   of   Maryland 
were  formed  into  a  Province,  Wm.  McSherry  first  Provincial  :  his  successors 
were  :   Thos.  F.  Mulledy,  1837  ;   Francis  Dzierozynski.  1840  ;   James   Ryder, 
1843  ;  Peter  Verhaegen,  1845  ;  Ignatius  Brocard,  1848  ;  Chas.  II.  Stonestreet, 
1852  ;   Burchard  Villiger.  1858  ;    Felix  Sopranis,  1859  ;   A.  M.  Paresce.    1861  ; 
Joseph  E.  Keller.  1869  :   Robert  W.  Brady,  1877  ;    Pennsylvania   always   be- 
longed to  the  Maryland  Missions,  and  in  1879  New  York  was  added,    and   in 
1880  the  title  was  changed    to   the    Maryland-New-York    Province,    Robert 
Fulton  Provincial  since  1882.     The  Colleges  of  the  Society  have   a   long   line 
of  illustrious  members  who  presided  over  them,  commenceing  with  George- 
town, 1791,  with  such  names  as  Plunkett,  Molyneaux,  Dubourg,  Neale,  Mat- 
thews, Grassi,    Fenwick,  Kohlman,  Dubuisson,    Mulledy,  McSherry,    Ryder, 
Maguire,  Early  and  others.       So  with  Gonzaga   College,    started  in  1821,  at 
the  head  of  which  were  Kohlman,  Marshall,  Keiley,  Blox,  Barber,  Deneck- 
ere,  Villiger,  Stonestreet,  Clarke,  Wiget,  Jenkins.  Fulton,  Murphy,  McGurk. 
What  material  for  Catholic  history  !     The  Novitiate  of  the  Society  was  start- 
ed at  Georgetown  in  1806  ;  transferred  to  St.  Inigoes,    then    to    Whitemarsh, 
and  after  that  to  Frederick  where  it  is  still  located.     It  has  had  at   its   head 
such  Masters  as  Francis  Neale.    Peter   Epinette,    J.  W.  Beschter,    A.    Kohl- 
man,   Charles   Vanquickenborne,    Francis  Dzierozynski,  F.    Grivel,  Samuel 
Mulledy,  Samuel  Barber,  A.  M.  Paresce,    B.  F.  Wiget,    J.  A.  Ward,    Joseph 
O 'Callahan,  Felix  Cicaterri.  A.  J.  Tinsdall.       The    Society    numbers    many 
learned  and  saintly  men.     Its  members  were  with  the  first  discoverers  ;  they 
braved  every  storm,  gained  every  inch  of  ground  by  labor  and  perseverance, 
until  now  vast  is  there  domain  ;  in  christian  warfare,  powerful  as    an    army 
in  battle  array  ;  their  deeds  would  fill    volumes   upon    volumes   of    history  ; 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  205 

they  have  preserved  the  faith  by  their  labors,  and  embellished  the  Church 
by  their  lives  and  their  learn ing.  We  have  seen  great  things  in  our  day  ; 
what  the  future  will  reveal  we  may  not  know. 

Among  the  names  of  priests   appearing   on   the    marriage    registers    of 
Trinity  Church,  Georgetown,  D.  C,  are  the  following  : — 

Father  Neale,  1806-'18  ;  J.  Grassi,  1806-'18  ;  T.  Detheux,  1818- '25  ;  Father 
Fenwick,  lSlS-^  ;  J.  McElroy,  1821  :  G.  Saunen,  1824  ;  St.  Dubuisson,  1825  ; 
J.  Smith,  1825-29  ;  M.  Dougherty,  1825-27 ;  (  at  Conewago  after  that ;)  Van. 
Lommel,  1828-30  ;  Th.  Finigan,  182S,  now  at  Conewago,  bent  under  the 
weight  of  nearly  ninety  years,  and  has  become  as  a  little  child  ;  F.  M.  Lucas, 
1830  :  St.  Dubisson,  1831  ;  R.  B.  Hardy,  1833-4  ;  F.  M.  Lucas,  1832-39  ;  F. 
Barbelin,  1836  :  P.  Leary,  1837:  W.  Grace,  1837  :  J.  Curley,  1838  ;  Ph.  A.  Sac- 
chi,  1838-40,  after  that  at  Conewago  ;  P.  P.  Kroes.  1833-43  ;  S.  Fenwick,  1839; 
T.  Ryder,  1840  :  P.  B.  O'Flannigan,  1841-52  :  Bishop  Eccleston,  1842  ;  J.  X. 
Aiken,  1843  ;  Anthony  Rey.  1845  ;  J.  McElroy.  1846  ;  J.  Combs,  1847  ;  J.  Ralfe, 
1847  :  C.  Vincinanza,  1847  ;  whose  name  apieais  in  a  diary  at  Conewago  in 
1846,  where  he  stopped  several  times  as  a  guest  of  the  Fathers  ;  J.  M.  Finotti, 
a  learned  Italian,  ordained  at  Georgetown  ;  priest,  teacher  and  writer  :  died 
at  Denver,  Col..  (  from  the  effects  of  a  fall  ),  Jan.  10th,  1878,  after  having 
received  the  last  Sacraments  from  Father  Matz,  of  Georgetown.  Col.  R.I.P. 
J.  McGuigan,  1848  ;  L.  Vigilante,  1849  ;  D.  Lynch,  1849  ;  J.  A.  Ward,  1850  ; 
J.  A.  Aiken.  1850-60 ;  T.  Arnellini.  1851  ;  F.  Wiget,  1851  ;  D.  Solari,  1852 ; 
James  Ash  wander,  1853-63;  J.  E.  Pallhuber,  1853-63;  Rt.  Rev.  J.  McGill. 
1855 :  John  Early,  various  times  ;  L.  Roccofort,  1861-63  ;  A.  L.  Jamison,  1863- 
68  ;  A.  Chillier,  1863-67  ;  A.  Janalick,  1863  :  Chas.  Stonestreet,  1864  ;  F.  N. 
Jubitosi,  1866;  A.  F.  Ciampi,  1867-68  ;  Charles  Jenkins,  1868,  L.  H.  Sache, 
1868-70  ;  J.  Guida,  1869  ;  B.  A.  McGuire,  1868;  C.  Stonestreet,  1870-74  ;  C. 
Cicaterri,  1871  ;  P.  Duddy.  1873  ;  E.  Sourin,  1873  ;  L.  Roccofort,  1873-76  ;  J. 
S.  Sumner.  1873;  G.  B.  Cleary,  1875;  J.  B.  De  Wolf.  1874.  Others  are: 
Fathers  Epinette.  Redmond,  J.  P.  DeCloriricre.  J.  Wallace,  J.  Contiume,  F. 
Dzycroziusky. 

Among  the  subscribers  to  k"  The  Catholic  Christian  Instructed^'1  publish- 
ed at  Baltimore  in  1809,  are  the  names  of  a  number  of  Priests,  but  unfor- 
tunately the  copy  we  possess  has  several  pages  torn  out.  The  following 
names  appear  : 

Boston. — Rev.  T.  A.  Matignon,  Rev.  Mr.  Chevreus. 

Philadelphia.— Revs.  Dr.  Egan,  Mr.  Hurly,  Mr.  Harold. 

Georgetown.  — Rt.  Rev.  Leonard  Neale.  Bishop  of  Gortyna  ;  Rev.  Francis 
Neale,  Pastor  of  Holy  Trinity  Church. 

Washington.— Rev.  Wm.  Mathews,  Rector  of  St.  Patrick's  Church  ;  Rev. 
Notley  Young. 

St.  Inigoes. — Revs.   Francis  Neale,  Richard  Clarke. 

St.  Mary's  { Newtown.)— Revs.  Igns.  B.  Brooke,  Francis  Maleve,  M. 
Boulton. 

St.  Thomas,  Charles  Co.— Rev.  Charles  Neale.  Mount  Carmel  ;  Rev.  John 
Henry  Zachiah.  Revs.  Henry  Pele,  Charles  Waters,  John  Fenwick,  John 
Henry. 

Kentucky.— Stephen  Theodore  Badin,  Bardstown  :  Rev.  Charles  Ner- 
inckx. 

The  assertion  made  by  some  one  and  repeated  by  many  Catholic  writers, 


206  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

that  in  Father  Gallitzin's  time  there  was  no  Catholic  priest  from  the  Sus- 
quehanna to  the  Potomac,  or  from  Baltimore  to  St.  Louis  as  Scharff  has  it, 
must  not  be  taken  literally.  From  the  beginning  of  1700,  when  Southern 
and  Western  Pennsylvania,  and  the  borders  of  Maryland  and  Western  Vir- 
ginia began  to  be  settled,  priests  were  to  be  found  wherever  there  were 
Catholics, — here  to  day, —  miles  away  to-morrow.  We  have  endeavored  in 
this  work  to  follow  the  outline  of  their  labors.  In  the  Indian  settlements 
on  the  Ohio  and  its  tributaries,  priests  found  their  way  with  the  French  and 
Canadian  expeditions  long  before  the  early  missionaries  traveled  the  circuit, 
and  the  See  of  Gallipolis  was  no  fancied  creation  but  a  movement  of  Rome  to 
carry  the  Gospel  into  the  unexplored  regions  of  Ametica.  (  See  Lambing 's 
Researches. ) 

The  mists  of  time  have  long  since  gathered  over  the  pathways  in  the 
early  history  of  the  Catholic  Church,  which  we  have  endeavored  to  trace. 
Names  and  places  are  almost  forgotten,  and  the  even  ground  we  walk  on  to- 
day may  conceal  the  graves  of  the  past.  Why  then  should  the  spirit  of 
mortal  be  proud  ?  The  same  fate  is  in  store  for  all  !  What  matters  it  how 
humble  were  the  lives  and  lowly  the  occupations  of  the  pious  settlers  who 
have  gone  before  V  All  honor  to  them.  They  made  more  sacrifices  for  Gud 
and  for  us  than  we  are  making  in  our  time.  The  arm  that  swung  the  axe 
belonged  to  a  hero  who  could  wield  the  sword.  More  honor  to  the  men 
who  handled  the  pick  to  clear  the  lands  of  this  free  country,  than  to  the 
"  heroes  "  who  crushed  Europe  with  tyranny  and  deluged  the  world  with 
blood. 


HIERARCHY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


ARCHBISHOPS. 

NAME.  SEE.                    CONSECRATED. 

Most  Rev.  Peter  Richard  Kenrick,  D.  D.  St.  Louis,  Mo.         1841.  Nov.  30 

William  H.  Elder,  D.  D.  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  1857.  May    3 

Patrick  A.  Feehan,  D.  D.  Chicago.  111.            1865.  Nov.  1 

John  Joseph  Williams,  D.  D.  Boston,  Mass.         1866.  Mar.   11 

James  Gibbons,  D.  D.  Baltimore,  Md.      1868.  Aug.  16 

Michael  Heiss,  D.  D.  Milwaukee,  Wis.  1868.  Sep.    6 

J.  B.  Salpointe,  Santa  Fe,  N.  M.     1869.  June  20 

Patrick  John  Ryan,  D.  D.  Philadelphia,  Pa.  1872.   April  14 

W.  H.  Gross,  D.  D.  Portland  Oregon.  1873.  April  27 
Michael  A.  Corrigan,  D.  D.  Coadj.  New  York,  N.  Y.  1873.  May    4 

F.  X.  Leary,  D.  D.  New  Orleans,          1S77.  April  22 

Patrick  W.  Riordan,  D.  D.  San  Francisco,  Cal  1883.  Sept.  16 

BISHOPS. 

R't  Rev.  Dr.  John  Loughlin,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.       1853.  Oct.     30 

L.  De  Goesbriand,  Burlington,  Vt.        1853.  Oct.     30 

Thomas  L.  Grace,  St.  Paul,  Minn.        1859.  July   24 

John  Hennessy,  Dubuque.  Iowa,       1866.  Sept.  30 

Edward  Fitzgerald,  Little  Rock,  Ark.     1867.  Feb.    3  ' 

Wiiliam  G.  McCloskey  Louisville,  Ky.        1868.  May     24 

B.  J.  McQuaid,  Rochester,  N.  Y.      1868.  Julv    12 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 


207 


William  O'Hara, 

Scranton,  Pa. 

1868   July   12 

Tobias  Mullen, 

Erie,  Pa. 

1868  Aug    2 

J.  F.  Shanahan, 

Harrisburg,  Pa. 

1868  July   12 

J.  P.  Machebeuf, 

Denver,  Col. 

1868   Aug    16 

Thomas  A.  Becker, 

Wilmington,  Del, 

1868  Aug    16 

John  J.  Hogan, 

Kansas  City,  Mo. 

1868  Sept    13 

S.  V.  Ryan, 

Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

1868   Noy     8 

P.  J.  Baltes, 

Alton,  111. 

1870   Jan     23 

C.  H.  Borgess, 

Detroit,  Mich. 

1870   April  24 

P.  T.  O'Reilly, 

Springfield,  Mass. 

1870  Sept    25 

L.  M.  Fink, 

Leavenworth,  Kan 

.1871   June   11 

Joseph  Dwenger, 

Fort  Wayne,  Ind. 

1872   April  14 

Richard  Gilmour, 

Cleveland,  Ohio 

1872   April  14 

Francis  McNeirny, 

Albany,  N.  Y. 

1872  April  21 

T.  F.  Hendricken, 

Providence,  R.  I. 

1872   April  28 

E.  P.  Wadhams, 

Ogdensburg,  N.  Y. 

1872   May     5 

F.  Mora, 

Montery.  Cal. 

1873  Aug    3 

John  J.  Kain, 

Wheeling,  W.  Va. 

1875   May    23 

R.  Seidenbush, 

St.  Cloud,  Minn. 

1875   May     30 

J.  A.  Healy, 

Portland,  Me. 

1875  June  2 

F.  X.  Krautbauer, 

Green  Bay,  Wis. 

1875  June  29 

John  Ireland, 

St.  Paul,  Minn. 

1875   Dec     21 

John  Tuigg, 

Pittsburg,  Pa. 

1876   Mar     19 

James  O'Connor, 

Omaha.  Neb. 

1876  Aug    20 

J.  L.  Spalding, 

Peoria,  111. 

1877   May   1 

John  Moore, 

St.  Augustine,  Fla 

.  1877  May  13 

F.  S.  Chatard, 

Vincennes,  Ind. 

1878    May   12 

J.  J.  Keane, 

Richmond,  Va. 

1878   Aug  25 

L.  S.  McMahon, 

Hartford,  Conn. 

1879    Aug  10 

John  Vertin, 

Marquette,  Mich 

1879    Sept  14 

-Egidius  Junger, 

Vancouver,  Wash. T 1879   Oct    28 

J.  B.  Brondel, 

Helena,  Mont 

1879    Dec    14 

Martin  Marty, 

Yankton,  Dak 

1880    Feb   1 

J.  A.  Watterson, 

Columbus,  Ohio 

1880    Aug  8 

P.  Manogue, 

Virginia  City,  Nev 

1881   Jan    16 

F.  Janssens, 

Natchez,  Miss 

1881   May  1 

J.  C.  Neraz, 

San  Antonio,  Tex 

1881  May  8 

Kilian  C.  Fiasco. 

La  Crosse,  Wis 

1881  Aug  24 

W.  M.  Wigger, 

Newark,  N.  J 

1881  Oct    18 

M.  J.  OTarrel, 

Trenton,  N.  J 

1881  Nov   1 

H.  P.  Northrop, 

Charleston,  S.  C 

1882  Jan    8 

N.  A.  Gallagher, 

Galveston,  Tex 

1882  April30 

H.  J.  Richter, 

Grand  Rapids,  Mich  1883  April23 

J.  Rademacher, 
D.  M.  Bradley, 
H.  Cosgrove, 
Isidore  Robot. 
A.  J.  Glorieux, 
C.  P.  Maes, 
R.  Phelan. 
J.  0 Sullivan. 
Vacant. 

Nashville,  Tenn 
Manchester,  N.  H 
Davenport,  Iowa 
Indian  Territory 
Boise  City,  Idaho 
Covington,  Ky 
Pittsburg,  Pa 
Mobile,  Ala 
Savannah,  Ga 

1883  June  24 

1884  June  11 

1884  Sept  14 

1885  April  19 
1885  July  18 
1885  Aug  2 
1885  Sept  20 

208  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Addenda.— Page  158.— Fr.  Deluol  came  to  this  country  in  Sept.,  1817. 
left  in  Nov.  1849.  Page  204.— Win.  McSherry,  S.  J.,  first  Provincial,  son  of 
Richard  McSherry  ;  born  in  Jefferson  Co.,  W.  Va.  ;  died  Dec.  17th.  1839,  at 
Georgetown.  His  father  Richard  with  the  twin  brother  Wm.,  came  from 
Ireland  and  settled  near  Leetown,  Va..  which  is  near  Smithfield.  (Wizard 
Clip).  Wm.  had  no  children,  and  all  the  present  McSherrys  are  descendants 
of  Richard  McS.  and  Auastasia  Lilly.  "  Richard  "  is  a  family  name,  the  late 
Dr.  Richard  McS.  in  Balto.  leaving  a  son  Richard,  great  grandchild  of  the 
elder  Richard.  Page  201.— Fr.  Whelan  partly  educated  at  Mt.  St.  Mary's  and 
with  the  Sulpicians  in  Paris.  Page  202.— Rear  Admiral  Charles  Boarman 
born  in  Charles  Co..  Md.,  Dec.  24th,  1797;  occupied  prominent  positions  as 
officer  in  U.  S.  Navy  ;  died  Sept.  13th,  1879,  at  his  home  in  Martinsburg. 
His  lather,  Charles,  was  a  Professor  at  Georgetown  as  earlv  as  1797  :  died 
1819  ;  educated  with  his  brother  at  Liege,  in  Belgium.  Page  193.— Fr.  Charlin 
should  be  Charlier.  Page  100.— Fr.  Phelan.  &c— Catholics  of  Ky.  petitioned 
Fr.  Carroll  for  a  priest.  He  sent  Rev.  Mr.  Whelan,  an  Irish  Franciscan, 
residing  with  Jesuits  at  New  Town,  and  "  past  the  flower  of  his  age  ;"  start 
ed  with  some  emigrants  in  1787  ;  returned  in  1789  ;  this  may  be  the  'trav- 
eling priest"  called  Phelan.  Failin,  &c.  There  were  living  in  Pa.  and  Md. 
in  1774.  twenty-two  priests,  members  of  the  Society  of  Jesus  when  it  dis- 
banded :  Thos.  Digtces,  Benedict  Neale.  John  Lewis.  Mathias  Manners, 
Ferdinand  Farmer,  Joseph  Moseley.  James  Frambach,  James  Pellentz.  Lewis 
Roels.  John  B.  De  Ritter,  John  Boone.  James  Walton.  Ignatius  Mathews, 
Peter  Morris.  Lucas  Geisler.  Geo.  Hunter.  Robert  Molyneux.  John  Bolton, 
Sylvester  and  John  Boarman.  Charles  Sewall.  Austin  Jenkins.  Sylvester 
Boarman  was  a  native  of  Md..  educated  at  St.  Omer's.  died  at  Newport, 
Charles  Co.,  Md.,  Jan.  7th.  1811  ;  his  brother  John  died  at  Newtown,  St. 
Mary's  Co.,  in  1797.  aged  54.  Fr.  Roels  born  in  Belgium.  1732.  died  at  St. 
Thomas  Manor,  Feb.  27,  1794.  John  Bolton  born  in  Eng.  1742,  came  to  Md. 
1771,  died  Sept.  9,  1809.  When  Fr.  Carroll  was  appointed  Spiritual  Superior 
of  the  Church  of  the  Provinces  in  1783.  steps  were  taken  to  establish  a  form 
of  government  for  the  church,  at  a  meeting  known  as  the  Whitemarsh  Con- 
vention, held  June  27th,  1783— present  Revs.  Carroll.  Ashton,  Sewall,  Dider- 
ick,  Boarman  (Sylvester),  Neale,  Roels,  Bolton. 

John  Lewis  born  1721  in  England,  came  to  Md.  1750.  succeeded  George 
Hunter  as  Superior  of  the  Missions  before  1773,  and  was  himself  succeeded 
by  John  Carroll  ;  died  at  Bohemia  1788,  March  24th.  Charles  Sewall  born  in 
St.  Mary's  Co.  near  St.  Inigoes,  1744,  educated  at  St.  Omer's,  became  a  Jes- 
uit and  returned  to  Md.  in  1774.  Bernard  Diderick  came  to  Md.  in  July, 
1782  or  3  ;  died  at  "  Notley  Hall."  July  3d.  1793.  Father  Wapeler  returned 
to  Europe  in  1748.  Page  21. — "  Digges'  Choice."  The  Digges  were  an  old 
Md.  family.  Edw.  D.  was  an  early  Governor  of  Va.,  son  of  Sir  Dudley  Dig- 
ges, who  lost  his  life  in  the  service  of  Charles  I.  He  left  a  son  Wm.  who 
settled  in  Md.  and  left  an  older  and  a  younger  son.  ancestors  of  two  branches 
of  the  family  ;  the  latter  were  Catholics  and  the  Conewago  Digges  are  their 
descendants.  There  was  a  Rev.  Thomas  Digges,  S.  J^  Ignatius  D.  was  mar- 
ried to  Mary  Carroll,  sister  of  Eleanor.  Fr.  Greaton  born  about  1680  ;  enter- 
ed Society  July  5.  1708  ;  became  a  priest  Aug.  4th,  1719  ;  was  at  St.  Inigoes 
in  1721  and  '24;  died  at  Bohemia  Sept.  19,  1753.  Rev.  Robert  Molyneaux 
born  in  Lancashire,  Eng.,  June  24. 1738  ;  entered  So.  1757  .arrived  in  Md.  1771. 
Page  205.— Rev.  Camillas  Vicinanza,  S.  J.,  long  pastor  at  Leonardtown,  Md.,  died  Dec. 
30,  1878,  aged  64.  Rev.  Charles  Dubamel,  a  venerable  and  edifying  priest,  earlv  pastor 
of  Hagerstown  and  surrounding  missions,  was  banished  from  France  to  the  Island  of  St. 
Croix,  where  he  labored  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  The  early  priests  who  attended  the 
Cumberland  missions  were,  Revs.  Cahill,  Dubois,  Zocchi,  M.  Ryan,  Maleve  and  Red- 
mond; after  1820,  Revs.  T.  Ryan,  F.  X.  Marshall.  H.  Myers,  B.  S.  Piot  and  L.  Obermyer, 
up  to  1841.  Fr.  Dubois  also  visited  Hagerstown,  Chambersburg,  Martinsburg,  Winches- 
ter, and  other  places,  from  Frederick,  where  he  was  sttaioned  in  1794.  Father  Gildea, 
who  attended  the  Martinsburg  missions  from  1830,  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Feb.  2d,  1804  ; 
ordained  March  25th  ,1829.  The  bell  on  the  old  church  at  Martinsburg,  (now  at  Berke- 
ley Springs,)  was  among  a  lot  of  confiscated  convent  bells  sent  to  this  country  from 
Spain;  it  was  cracked  probably  in  the  sacking  of  some  building  in  the  revolutions. 
Page  193.— Miss  Catharine  Hemler,  of  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  made  her  profession  at  George- 
town Visitation  Convent,  Feb.  26th,  1845.— Sister  Mary  Ann.  The  corner-stone  of  the 
Paradise  Church  (page  88)  was  laid  June  18th,  1813.  At  Trinity  Church,  Washington, 
July  4th,  1848,  ordained  by  Archbishop  Eccleston,  J.  A.  Ward,  John  E.  Blox,  C.  H. 
Stouestreet,  Francis  Clarke,  W.  M.  Logan.  Rev.  J.  H.  N .  Joubert,  who  established 
the  Oblate  Sisters  at  Baltimoie,  was  born  Sept.  6th,  1777,  Fiance  ;  went  to  San  Domin- 
go in  1801,  came  to  Balto.  in  1804,  died  at  St.  Mary's  Seminary.  Balto..  Nov.  5th,  1843. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  209 

NEWSPAPER  CLIPPINGS. 


The  Golden  .Tnbilee — The  feast  of  St.  Joseph,  April  15th,  1SS3,  was  celebrated  by  the  Jesuits 
of  the  Maryland-New  York  Province,  as  the  fiftieth,  anniversary  under  provincial  rule-  the  same 
day  having  been  the  250th  anniversary  of  the  landing  of  the  first  Jesuits  in  Maryland.    Father  Win 
F.  Clarke  was  the  orato:-  at  the  celebration,  at  St.  Ignatius's  Church,  Baltimore,"  from  whose  sermon 
we  take  the  following  : 

Particular  importance  and  solemnity  have  been  attached  to  the  fiftieth  anniversary  from  the 
timetha'  God  instituted  the  jubilee  year  of  the  Jews.  Hence  the  title  "golden"  is  given  to  the 
fiftieth  anniversary  of  a  birth,  a  marriage,  an  ordination,  a  consecration. 

We,  then,  in  celebrating  with  jubilee  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  Jesuit  Province  of  Mary- 
land, are  imitating  the  time-honored  custom  of  every  country  and  of  every  people.  We  celebrate 
more  than  the  semi-centenary  of  the  Province.  Py  a  happy  coincidence  this  is  the  two  hundred 
and  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  departure  from  England  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  destined  for  the  first 
Catholic  Mission  of  Maryland,  in  the  Done  and  the  Ark— fit  names  for  th  >  vessels  that  bore  to  an 
ignorance  and  superstition  flooded  land  the  olive  branch  of  the  peace  of  Christ  and  the  little  family 
of  religious  that  was  to  people  the  new  world  with  children  of  God.  Two  centuries  and  a-half  ago 
Fathers  Andrew  White,  John  Altham  and  Timothy  Haves,  of  the  Society  of  Jesu«,  landed  on  the 
Maryland  shore  of  the  Chesapeake  May,  erected  a  Catholic  altar,  on  it  offered  the  infinitely  Precious 
Sacrifice  that  represents  and  perpetuates  the  sacrifice  of  Calvary,  planted  the  emblem  of  Chris- 
tianity—the  Cross  of  the  Crucified  Redeemer— preached  the  Gospel  to  the  aborigines ;  by  baptism 
closed  the  gates  of  hell  and  o  .ened  the  gates  of  heaven  to  their  chief,  the  Indian  King  of  Piscata  wav, 
his  queen,  their  children,  and  the  principal  men  of  the  nation,  and  founded  the  mother  of  all  the 
churches  of  the  thirteen  original  States— the  Church  of  Maryland. 

Maryland  is  aptly  called  the  cradle  of  Catholicity  and  the  day-star  of  liberty  in  America.  And 
whence  was  Maryland  the  day-star  of  liberty  ?  Whence  was  the  banner  of  freedom,  which  nearly 
everywhere  else  had  been  furled  and  laid  upon  the  dusty  shelf  of  history,  unfolded  here  to  woo  the 
breeze  and  kiss  the  sunlight  of  heaven?  It  was  at  the  suggestion  and  urgent  recommendation  of 
Jesuits.  Mr.  Thomas  Kennedy,  a  Presbyterian  gentleman,  and  member  of  the  Assembly  of  Mary- 
laud,  published  a  speech,  in  which  he  asserted  that  "a  Jesuit  was  the  author  of  the  first  bill  for 
libe  ty  of  conscience  in  Maryland;"  and  this  was  conclusively  shown  by  a  distinguished  lawyer, 
the  gallant  General  Bradley  T.  Johnson,  in  a  late  lecture  before'the  Historical  Society  of  Maryland. 

We  do  not  forget,  but  we  publish  with  joy,  that  previous,  even  a  century  previous  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  .Maryland  Mission,  in  the  Spanish  and  French  colonies,  which  since  have  become 
parts  of  the  United  State-,  Franciscans,  Dominicans  and  Jesuits  had  moistened  and  sanctified  the 
soil  with  their  sweat,  their  tears,  their  blood,  their  mangled  and  lire-charred  limbs.  Where  is  the 
Jesuit  whose  eyes  do  not  glisten  and  whose  heart  is  not  aglow  at  the  remembrance  of  the  cruel  and 
glorious  martyrdom  of  our  brethren -Rasle.  Brebeuf,  Lallemant  and  Jogues,  and  others.  This  last- 
named  had  been  tortured  with  fire  and  scourge  four  years  before  his  martyrdom.  His  nails  were 
torn  out  and  his  fingers  gnawed  to  the  bone  ;  but  he  escaped,  and  Pope  Innocent  II.  granting  him 
a  dispensation  to  say  Mass,  to  grasp  with  the  stumps  of  his  mutilated  fingers  the  Sacred  Host,  and 
the  chalice  of  precious  blood  divine,  remarked  that  it  was  "  but  just  that  the  martyr  of  Christ  should 
drink  the  blood  of  Christ.'' 

Nor  do  I  forget,  but— glorying  in  every  conquest  of  our  leader,  Christ,  and  deeply  interested  in 
the  history  of  the  country  in  which  we  live  and  which  we  love,  my  own,  my  native  land— I  turn 
with  admiration  and  bow  profound  to  the  first  of  all  the  missionaries  in  America,  the  children  of 
St.  Benedict,  members  of  that  grand  old  Order,  which  has  given  more  martyrs,  more  Popes  and 
more  Bishops  to  the  Church  than  any  other  Yes,  centuries  before  the  birth  of  the  canonized 
founder  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  centuries  before  what  is  gen-rallv  called  the  discovery  of  America 
by  the  pious  and  heroic  Christopher  Columbus,  the  Benedictines  had  built  churches,  offered  the 
Divine  Sacrifice,  administered  the  sanctifying  and  saving  Sa-raments.  made  converts,  lived  saiirs, 
and  some  of  them  die  I  martyrs,  not  onlv  in  Iceland  and  Greenland,  but  upon  the  shores  of  Alt.  Hope 
Bay,  within  the  limits  of  what  is  now  the  State  of  Rhode  Island. 

As  Pennsylvania  is  not  only  indebted  to  Maryland  for  the  faith,  but  forms  and  has  always  formed 
a  part  of  the  Jesuit  .Mission  and  Province  of  Maryland,  mav  we  not,  should  we  not  mention  one  of 
the  churches  of  that  State  which  celebrates  to-day  a  fourfold  jubilee,  ft.  Joseph's,  Philadelphia, 
which,  in  one  sense,  is  the  oldest  church  in  what  was  the  British  colonies  of  America  ?  There  was 
a  much  older  church  in  St.  Mary's  city,  St.  Mary's  county,  Maryland,  and  other  much  older  crmrohes 
in  St.  Mary's,  Charles  and  Prince  George's  counties,  of  this  State.  But  scarce  a  vestige  of  St. 
Mary's  city  remains,  and  now  I  believe  there  is  no  church  standing  on  the  exact  site  of  any  of 
those  old  churches. 

St.  Joseph's.  Philadelphia,  stands  on  the  very  site  where  our  Fa*her  Joseph  Greaton  erected 
the  Chapel  of  St.  Joseph  in  1733,  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago.  The  church  that  succeeded  it, 
built  also  by  Jesuit  Fathers,  after  having  been  in  the  possession  of  other  priests  for  nearly  forty 
years,  was  restored  to  the  Jesuits  by  Bishop  Kenrick  in  April,  1833,  exactly  fifty  years  ago.  In  I  hat 
church  General  Washington  and  his  stall',  and  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerne,  Alinister  of  France,  with 
his  suite,  attended  the  High  Mass  and  solemn  Te  Deum  sung  in  thanksgiving  for  the  crowning 
victory  of  tha  War  of  Independence,  won  by  the  combined  forces  of  America  and  Catholic  France 
at  Yorktowu,  Virginia. 

From  the  time  of  Father  White  and  his  companions,  the  Jesuits  here  were  subject  to  the  Pro- 
vincial of  Eugland,  until  the  suppression  of  the  Society  by  Clement  XIV.,  July  21,  1773.  After  the 
suppression  the  Fathers  formiug  the  .Mission  and  laboring  in  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  Xew  Jersey 
and  New  York— but  having  residences  only  in  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania— continued  to  cling 
fondly  together,  preserved  their  organization,  and  thus  there  has  been  a  regular  succession  of 
Superiors  from  Father  Andrew  White  to  Robert  Fulton,  the  present  Provincial. 

Frederick  II,  King  of  Prussia,  and  Catharine  II,  Kmpress  of  Russia— the  one,  as  he  calls  him- 
self, a  heretic,  the  other,  a  schismatic— appreciating  the  learning  and  virtues  of  the  Jesuits,  espec- 
ially as  educators  of  youth,  preserved  in  their  dominions  the  Society  of  Jesus,  which  the  infidel 


210         CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

ministers  of  the  so  called  Catholic  kings  of  France,  Spain,  Portugal  and  Naples,  had  doomed  to 
destruction.  Pius  VI  and  Pius  VII,  the  immediate  successors  of  Clement  XIV,  approved  of  the 
action  of  Catharine  and  her  successor,  Paul  I. 

The  Jesuits  of  Maryland  petitioned  to  be  aggregated  to  the  Society  in  Russia ;  their  request 
•was  granted,  and,  in  1805,  Father  Gruber,  then  General  of  the  Society  in  that  country,  appointed 
Father  Robert  Molyneux  Superior  of  the  Maryland  Mission. 

On  the  7th  of  August,  1814.  Pope  Pius  VII  went  in  solemn  procession  from  the  Q.uirinal  Palace 
to  the  Gesu,  the  great  church  of  the  Society  in  Rome,  accompanied  by  the  College  of  Cardinasl, 
and  greeted  everywhere  by  the  countless  multitudes  who  thronged  the  streets  with  shouts  of 
"  Long  live  the  Holy  Father  !"  "  Long  live  the  Society  of  Jesus !"  The  Bull  for  the  re-establish- 
ment of  the  Society  in  the  whole  world  was  read  amidst  the  manifestation  of  extraordinary  joy  in 
every  countenance,  tears  of  happy  gratitude  coursing  meanwhile  down  the  cheeks  of  the  hoary- 
h^aded  and  age-bowed  members 'of  the  old  Society,  who  had  assembled  in  the  church  they  so 
much  loved,  to  look  upon  the  countenance  of  their  benefactor,  to  listen  to  the  voice  of  the  Vicar 
of  Christ,  thesuccessor  of  Peter,  bidding  the  Society  of  Jesus  to  live  again-live  to  love  and  to  labor 
as  it  had  loved  and  labored  before ;  live  that,  in  serried  ranks,  like  an  army  in  battle  array,  it 
might  bear  the  name  of  Jesus  in  triumph,  as  it  had  otteu  borne  it  before,  over  land  and  sea,  from 
country  to  country,  and  be  a  witness  to  the  Saviour  even  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth.— 
(Acts  i,  8.) 

The  first  Superior  of  the  Maryland  Mission,  after  this  solemn  and  total  restoration  of  the 
Society  of  Jesus,  was  Father  Anthony  Kohlman,  famous  in  history  as  the  central  figure  in  the 
celebrated  case  known  in  the  courts  of  this  country  as  the  Catholic  question  in  America— the  ques- 
tion, whethei  a  Roman  Catholic  clergyman  can,  under  any  circumstances,  be  compelled  to  reveal 
the  secrets  of  auricular  confession;  which  was  decided  negatively,  in  the  Court  of  General  Sessions, 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  in  the  year  1843,  the  Hon.  De-Witt  Clinton,  the  mayor  of  New  York  and 
the  presiding  officer  at  the  trial,  delivering  the  judgment  of  the  court :  that  the  Rev.  Anthony 
Kohlman,  rector  of  St.  .Peter's  Church,  New  York,  had  a  right  to  decline  answering  the  questions 
proposed  to  him  by  the  police  magistrate  and  the  grand  jury  in  regard  to  the  restitution  of  property 
made  by  him  as  a  minister  of  the  Sacrament  of  Penance. 

Catholicity  in  Maryland  and  the  Jesuit*  were  identified  from  the  advent  of  the  Ark  and  the 
Dove  to  the  death  of  Archbishop  Neale,  in  1817.  At  Bohemia,  the  name  of  our  farm  and  residence, 
in  Cecil  county,  Maryland,  in  the  only  Catholic  school  in  this  country,  John  Carroll  and  Charles 
Carroll  of  Carrollton  were  prepared  by  our  Fathers  for  the  collegiate  course  which  they  made  in 
Europe.  Charles  Carroll  of  Carrollton,  true  to  the  lessons  of  his  Jesuit  preceptors,  signed  the 
Declaration  of  American  Independence,  in  July,  1776.  John  Can-oil  entered  the  Jesuits' Noviti- 
ate at  St.  Outer's  in  1753,  was  ordained  in  1759,  became  a  professed  Father  in  1771,  returned  to 
America  in  1774,  was  made  Vicar-Apostolic,  with  power  to  administer  Confirmation,  in  17S4,  and 
in  1790  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Baltimore,  the  limits  of  his  diocese  being  the  boundaries  of 
the  United  States.  As  the  first  missionary  in  this  country  was  a  Jesuit,  so  die  first  Bishop  and 
Archbishop  of  this  country  was  a  Jesuit,  and  the  second  Archbishop  of  this  country,  Most  Rev. 
Leonard  Neale,  was  a  Jesuit.  Their  signatures  appear,  with  those  of  other  Jesuits,  on  our  books 
as  trustees  of  our  property  in  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  until  the  respective  death  of  each. 
Hence  the  body  incorporated  by  the  Assembly  of  Maryland  to  administer  the  property  of  the 
Jesuits  was  entitled  simply  the  "Roman  Catholic  C'ergymen." 

Archbishop  Carroll  wished  to  have  for  his  coadjutor  and  successor,  first,  Father  Molyneux 
and  then  Father  Gressel,  both  Jesuits.  Father  Molyneux  declined,  and  Father  Gressel  died  at 
Philadelphia,  a  victim  of  charity,  during  the  yellow  fever  in  1793.  So  Archbishop  Neale  offered 
the  nomination  of  coadjutor  and  successor  to  several  Jesuits,  but  all  declined. 

This  city  was  indebted  to  the  Jesuits  for  the  faith,  and  the  facilities  of  practicing  and  enjoy- 
ing it  until  the  close  of  Archbishop  Neale's  administration,  and  particularly  so  indebted  after 
that  period.  Here,  indeed,  were  the  Sulpitians  from  1791.  But  their  labors  were  almost  exclu- 
sively confined  to  the  education  of  subjects  for  the  sacred  ministry,  in  which,  thank  God,  they  are 
still  zealously  and  successfully  occupied.  Nearly  140  years  aen,  when  this  now  beautiful  city  was 
a  little  village,  too  poor  to  support  a  resident  priest,  a  Jesuit  Father  from  White  Marsh,  in  Prince 
George's  county,  visited  it  regularly,  celebrated  Mass  and  administered  the  Sacraments.  In  1784 
Father  Charles  Sewall  was  stationed  here.  Father  John  Carroll  joined  him  in  17S6.  Father 
Francis  Beeston  was  here  from  1794  to  1805.  Father  Enoch  Fenwick,  who  built  the  present 
cathedral,  was  rector  of  old  St.  Peter's,  then  the  Cathedral,  from  180S  to  1820,  and  Father  J.  Wm. 
Beschter  was  pastor,  from  1821  to  1829,  of  old  St.  John's,  which  stood  where  now  .s  St.  Alphon- 
sus's.  But  from  1S29  to  1S49  the  Jesuit  was  unseen  in  Baltimore,  save  as  a  pilgrim,  and  might 
exclaim  as  did  holy  Job :  "They  that  knew  me,  have  forgotten  me.  They  that  dwelt  in  my 
house  have  counted  me  as  a  stranger."  (Job  xix,  14,  15.)  In  1849  Archbishop  Eccleston  wel- 
comed the  Jesuits  back  to  the  scene  of  their  labors,  the  old  homestead  of  their  Carroll  and  their 
Neale.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  opening  my  pastorate  at  St.  Joseph's,  in  tnis  city,  informing  our 
Very  Rev.  Father  General  of  that  Archbishop's  uniform  kindness  to  us,  and  the  happiness  of 
being,  by  commission  of  the  General,  the  bearer  of  his  compliments  and  thanks  to  the  Archbishop. 
At  the  invitation  of  his  successor,  Most  Rev.  Francis  Patrick  Kenrick,  our  Fathers  opened  Loyola 
College,  in  Baltimore,  September  15, 1852. 

When  the  Mission  of  Maryland  became  a  Province,  July  8, 1833,  Rev.  William  McSherry  was 
appointed  Provincial.  Of  him  it  is  related  t  iat  when  he  was  an  infant  in  his  mother's  arms,  a 
mysterious  voice  from  mid  air  bade  her  take  special  care  of  that  child,  for  he  would  be  of  service 
to  the  Church  of  God.  He  admitted  me  to  the  Novitiate  shortly  after  his  accession  to  office,  and 
consequently  I  was  well  acquainted  with  him  and  with  his  successors,  and  I  know  something  of 
the  history  of  the  Province.  But  that  history  I  do  not  propose  to  rehearse.  I  would  merely  and 
briefly  call  your  attention  to  the  wondrous  change  wrought  not  in  the  Province  only,  but  in  the 
Church  in  this  country  and  in  the  country  its* if.  Fitty  years  a?o  the  Province  of  Maryland  was 
confined  to  the  Slates  of  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  and  the  District  of  Columbia.  Now,  be- 
sides Maryland,  Pennsylvania  and  the  District  of  Columbia,  it  includes  New  Jersey,  New  York, 
Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts.  Then  there  were  but  six  Catholic  colleges  in  the  United 
States;  one-half  of  them  were  in  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore,  and  two  of  the  six  were  Jesuit  Col- 
leges—the present  Universities  of  Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  and  St.  Louis,  Missouri. — 
Then  our  Province  had  but  one  college,  now  it  has  nine.  Then  we  had  but  four  city  churches  ; 
now  we  have  17.    In  the  Province  then  there  were  only  38  priests,  now  there  are  211 ;  then  17 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  211 

scholastics  or  candidates  for  the  sacred  ministry,  now  156  ;  then  30  lay  brothers,  now  1T3  ;  the 
total  then  being  85  ;  the  total  now  540. 

In  1S33  the  Jesuits,  Augustinians  and  Dominicans,  were  the  only  religions  Orders  in  this 
country.  Now  the  Benedictine  and  the  Franciscan,  the  Carmelite,  the  Capuchin  and  the  Pas- 
sionist'are  in  the  land  ;  and  of  the  religious  Congregations,  besides  the  Redemptorists  and  the 
Lazarists,  who  were  here,  there  are  many  others— all  building  churches  and  schools,  preaching 
Christ  crucified,  and  converting  and  sanctifying  souls.  Norshouldl  forget  those  whose  proto- 
types stood  most  numerous  at  the  foot  of  Calvary's  Cross  and  were  the  first  to  visit  the  sepulchre 
of  their  resuscitated  Saviour— the  female  religious,  who  fifty  years  ago  were  as  nume-ous  as  the 
males;  and  much  less  will  I  forget  that  the  female  Orders  first  in  this  country  were  introduced 
by  the  Jesuit  Archbishops  of  Baltimore,  and  that  to  them  is  due  the  existence  of  Mother  Seton's 
Congregation  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  which  has  done  more  than  any  other  to  conciliate  the 
mind  and  win  the  praise  of  Protestants,  who  appreciate  what  is  done  to  alleviate  the  miseries  of 
the  bodv. 

Equal,  even  greater,  has  been  the  progress  of  the  Church  in  general.  Thousands  of  other 
strong  and  active  laborers  have  entered  into  the  fields  "white  already  with  the  harvest,  which 
was  great,  but  the  laborers  were  few,"  and  from  my  heart  I  cry  out  with  Moses,  who,  when  Josue 
appealed  to  him  to  forbid  others  to  prophecy,  exclaimed  :  "Why  hast  thou  emulation  for  me? 
O.  that  all  the  people  might  prophecy  and  that  the  Lord  would  give  them  His  spirit."  (Num.  xi, 
29.)  Yet,  more.  I  cry,  O  Lord  !  yet  more  laoorers  for  Thy  vineyard.  So  that  in  the  language  of 
St.  Paul  to  the  Philippians,  "bv  all  means,  whether  by  occasion  or  by  truth,  Christ  be  preached  : 
in  this  also  I  rejoice,  yea.  and  I  will  rejoice."  (i,  18.)  Let  no  one,  brethren,  say,  "  I,  indeed,  am 
of  Paul ;  and,  another,  I  am  of  Apollo.  What  then  is  Apollo,  and  what  is  Paul  ?  The  ministers 
of  Him  in  whom  you  have  believed.  I  have  planted,  Apollo  watered,  but  God  gave  the  increase. 
Therefore,  neither  he  that  planteth  is  any  thing,  nor  he  that  watereth,  but  God  that  giveth  rhe 
increase.  We  are  God's  coadjutors  ;  you  are  God's  husbandry,  you  are  God's  building.  I  have 
laid  the  foundation,  and  another  buildeth  thereon.  L^f  no  man,  therefore,  glory  in  men.  For  all 
things  are  yours,  whether  it  be  Paul,  or  Apollo,  or  Cephas,  or  the  world,  oi  life,  or  death,  or 
things  present,  or  things  to  come,  for  all  are  yours,  and  you  are  Christ's,  and  Christ  is  God's." 
<1  Cor.  lii.)  So  that  God  be  served,  honored,  loved,  it  matters  not  by  whom,  rejoice  and  be  ex- 
ceedingly glad.  Rejoice,  then,  brethren,  that,  whereas  in  1S33  there  were  but  ten  dioceses  in 
the  United  States— but  one  of  these  dioceses  comprised  all  the  New  England  States,  another  all 
the  country  west  of  the  Mississippi— there  are  now  63  dioceses  and  eight  Vicariates  Apostolic. 
Then  there  were  12  Bishops,  two  of  them  being  coadjutors  ;  now  there  are  a  Cardinal,  13  Arch- 
bishops and  59  Bishops.  Then  there  were  scarce  250  priests,  and  a  Catholic  population  of  half  a 
million  ;  now  there  are  more  than  6.500  priests,  7,400  churches  and  chapel*,  31  ecclesiastical  sem- 
inaries, SI  colleges,  580  academies,  275  asylums,  186  hospitals,  and  a  Catholic  population  of  nearly 
7,000,000. 

Of  all  the  Prelates  and  priests  who  attended  the  first  Council  of  Baltimore,  only  one  is  now 
living,  the  Archbishop  of  Cincinnati;  and  of  all  who  were  members  of  the  Jesuit  Mission  of 
Maryland  when  it  became  a  Province.  July  8, 1S33,  only  four  are  living,  three  who  were  priests — 
Fathers  Finnigan,  Havermann  and  Curley— and  one  who  was  a  novice,  Father  Ward,  now  of 
Loyola  College.  All  the  others  have  passed  in  funeral  procession  through  the  gate-way  of  death 
into  the  regions  of  eternity ;  and  with  them  have  passed,  almost  without  an  exception,  the  people 
whom  they  sought  to  enlighten,  sanctify  and  save. 


The  Church  in  America.— That  long  before  the  ninth  century,  Catholicity  was  trans- 
planted from  the  shores  of  Europe,  Asia  or  Africa  to  those  of  America,  by  bold  navigators  and 
hardy  adventurers  is  highly  probable.  But,  interesting  as  the  examination  of  such  a  question 
might  prove,  we  cannot  attempt  it,  now,  but  must  be  satisfied  with  the  statement  that,  according 
to  the  records  which  have  thus  far  come  to  light,  the  first  Christians  who  visited  this  country 
came  from  Greenland  and  Iceland,  known  to  geographers  as  Danish  America. 

In  829  Catholic  missionaries  visited  Danish  America— more  than  a  thousand  years  ago.  In 
834  Pope  Gregory  IV.  placed  Iceland  and  Greenland  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Ansgar,  Archbishop 
of  Hamburg,  whom  he  appointed  his  Apostolic  Legate  for  the  North.  Iceland  and  Greenland 
being  entirelv  Catholic  as  early  as  1004,  the  interest  of  religion  in  those  countries  required  the 
erection  of  Episcopal  Sees,  and  in  the  year  1055  Adalbert,  Archbishop  of  Bremen-Hamburg— these 
two  cities  then  formed  one  Archiepiscopal  See— consecrated  Jon  Bishop  of  Skalhoit  in  Iceland, 
and  Albert  Bishop  of  Gardar  in  Greenland. 

Bishop  Jon,  who  was  a  Scot,  after  a  four  years'  residence  in  Iceland,  came  to  this  country 
in  the  year  1059,  to  convert  the  natives  and  administer  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholic 
Scandinavian  population— colonists  from  Denmark,  Norway,  Sweden,  Iceland,  and  Greenland— 
who  from  time  to  time  had  formed  settlements  in  what  they  called  Viueland,  a  tract  of  country 
described  in  old  maps  as  extending  over  the  entire  portion  of  Massachusetts  and  a  part  of  Rhode 
Island,  commencing  at  Cape  Ann  and  terminating  with  Narragansett  Bay.  More,  then,  than 
eight  hundred  years  ago,  and  consequently  nearly  six  hundred  years  before  the  Puritan  pilgrims 
set  foot  upon  Plymouth  Rock,  the  Catholic  Church  had  a  Bishop  there  ;  yes,  and  a  martyr  too, 
for  the  saintly  prelate  fell  a  victim  of  zeal  and  charity  beneath  the  deadly  arrows  of  those  for 
whom  he  was  endeavoring  to  open  the  gates  of  heaven.  More  than  fifty  years  before  this  time, 
in  the  year  1003,  one  of  the  headlands  of  Massachusetts,  near  the  present  city  of  Boston,  was 
called  the  Promontory  of  the  Cross,  from  the  grave  of  Thorwald,  a  Catholic  explorer,  whose 
dying  request,  when  he  had  been  mortally  wounded  by  the  Esquimaux,  was  that  his  companions 
should  bury  him  there  and  place  a  cross  at  his  head  and  anotuer  at  his  feet.  The  first  birth 
from  Catholic  parents,  and  therefore  the  first  baptism  in  America,  was  that  of  Snorre,  who  was 
born  in  1009,  or  Thoi  dun  and  Gudrida,  on  the  western  shore  of  Mt.  Hope  Bay,  in  Bristol  county, 
Rhode  Island.  This  family  returned  to  Iceland,  and  then<-e,  after  the  death  of  her  husband  and 
the  marriage  of  her  son,  Gudrida  went  ou  a  pilgrimage  to  Rome  and  gladdened  the  heart  of  the 
Holy  Father  with  news  from  his  chu  Iren  in  the  New  World.  Thus  you  perceive  that  the  first 
Catholic  mother  of  America  was  the  first  pilgrim  from  the  Western  World  to  the  shrine  of  St. 
Peter  and  the  Court  of  the  Vatican— and  this  more  than  eight  hundred  years  ago  !  A  historian, 
who  records  this  fact,  writes:  "Rome  lent  a  ready  ear  to  accounts  of  geographical  discoveries 
and  carefully  collected  maps  and  narratives.  Everv  discovery  seemed  an  extension  of  Papal 
dominion  and  a  new  field  for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel."     I  might  disappoint  your  laudable 


212  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

curiosity,  were  I  not  to  add  that  this  pious  woman  returned  to  Iceland  and  ended  her  days  as  a 
nun  in  a  Benedictine  convent  built  by  her  son  ;  and  that  son  had  among  his  grandchildren  three 
who  were  Bishops  of  Iceland. 

The  martyr  Jon  was  not  the  only  Bishop  who  visited  what  is  now  Rhode  Island.  In  t^e  year 
1121  Erick,  Bishop  of  Gardar,  in  Greenland,  went  to  Vineland,  and,  like  Bishop  Jon,  ended  his 
life  in  this  countrv.  What,  more  than  two  centures  ago,  people  called  "the  old  stone  mill,'"  at 
Newport,  admitted  by  all  to  be  a  work  of  the  Norsemen,  antiquarians  say  was  erected  about  the 
time  of  Erick,  and  was  a  baptistery,  built  after  the  style  of  many  of  the  baptisteries  of  the  mid- 
dle ages.  As  the  Catholic  colonists  of  America  were  for  centuries  dependent  on  the  Bishops  of 
Greenland  and  Iceland,  it  may  be  well  to  remark  that  these  Bishops  were,  by  order  of  Pope 
Gregory  IV.,  in  834,  suffragans  of  the  Archbishop  of  Hamburg  ;  that  in  1039  they  became  suffra- 
gans of  the  Archbishop  of  Lund,  by  order  of  Pope  Urban  II. ;  and  finally,  in  1154,  they  became 
suffragans  of  the  Archbishop  of  Drontheim,  in  Norway,  by  order  of  Pope  Anastasius  IV.;  and 
history  testifies  that  from  time  to  time  they  crossed  the  oceau  to  attend  the  Provincial  Councils 
held  in  those  metropolitan  cities.  In  1276  the  Crusades  were  preached  iu  America,  and  Peter- 
pence  were  collected  here  and  sent  to  Rome  by  order  of  Pope  John  XXL,  and  subsequently  by 
order  of  his  successors,  Nicholas  III.  and  Martin  V.  Catholicity,  in  a  word,  was  in  a  flourshing 
condition  in  Iceland  and  Greenland,  and  consequently  we  may  infer  iu  Vineland,  till  the  mid  lie 
of  the  sixteenth  century ;  when,  the  northern  nations  of  Europe  having  to  a  great  degree  apos- 
tatized from  the  faith,  King  Christian,  of  Denmark,  in  1540,  sent  preachers  to  Danish  America  to 
substitute  Lutheranism  for  the  old  faith,  a  substitution  which  was  inaugurated  by  dragging  off 
one  of  the  Bishops  of  Iceland,  Augmund  of  Skalhoit,  to  a  prison  in  Denmark,  and  beheading  the 
other,  Jon  Arleson,  of  Horlum,  in  1551 ;  the  people  meanwhile  protesting  against  the  change  of 
religion,  with  the  declaration  that  it  belonged  not  to  the  King  of  Denmark,  but  to  the  Roman 
Pontiff  to  teach  them  what,  they  were  to  believe. 

This  adhtsion  to  the  teaching  of  the  Roman  See  characterized  the  Greenlanders  also,  as  Pope 
Nicholas  V.  testifies  in  a  letter  written  in  1448,  in  wliich  he  also  states  that  they  had  then  been 
Catholics  for  nearly  six  hundred  years.  The  last  Bishop  of  Gardar  was  Vincent,  who  was  conse- 
crated in  1531— forty-five  years,  as  you  perceive,  after  the  discovery  of  America  by  Columbus, 
and  nearly  five  hundred  years  after  the  erection  of  t n at.  See.  We  may  reasonably  conclude  that, 
for  several  years  the  Divine  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass,  with  its  inseparable  thanksgiving,  was  simul- 
taneously offered  in  Vineland  by  the  descendants  of  the  Norsemen,  and  on  the  shores  of  Florida 
and  iu  the  islands  off  our  southern  coast  by  the  missionaries  who  followed  in  the  track  of  Colum- 
bus. Finally,  deprived  of  their  pastors,  the  scattered  flock  gradually  lost  their  faith  ;  and  ihw 
nothing  remains  to  tell  of  the  Christianity  of  Vineland  but  the  ancient  documeuts  from  which  I 
have  quoted,  the  remains  of  the  stone  baptistery  at  Newport,  R.  I.,  which  some  of  you  no  doubt 
have  seen,  and  some  tombs  of  those  early  adventurers  which  are  occasionally  discovered,  one  of 
which,  found  in  Virginia,  some  fifteen  miles  southwest  of  Washington,  besides  its  Catholic  in- 
scription, "May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  her,"  bears  the  date  of  1051. 

If  I  have  dwelt  long  upon  the  Catholic  history  of  the  Norsemen  in  what  are  now  the  New 
England  States,  it  was  because  I  supposed  the  subject  would  be  equally  novel  and  interestiug. 
Nor  can  I  leave  it  without  stating  that  the  form  of  government  iu  Iceland,  Greenland  and  Vin- 
land  was  republican  from  the  foundation  of  the  respective  colonies  till  the  year  1021  when  they 
became  dependencies  of  the  crown  of  Norway.  There  was,  therefore,  a  little  Catholic  republic 
on  this  continent  seven  hundred,  perhaps  eight  hundred  years  ago.  Referring  to  these  early 
republics,  Malte-Brun  remarks:  "The  genius  of  liberty  arid  of  poetry  brought  into  action  the 
brightest  powers  of  the  humanmind  at  the  ends  of  the  habitable  earth."— Front  Reo.  F.  W.  Clarke's 
Centennial  Discourse. 


From  a  Lecture  of  Rev.  E.  A,  McGurk,  of  Loyola  College,  Baltimore.— From  this 
very  place  we  can  almost  touch  the  soil  on  wliich  the  Jesuit  Fathers  stepped  from  the  Ark  and 
Dove.  They  came  in  the  company  of  honorable  men,  weary  of  the  struggles  for  conscience 
sake.  Governmental  intolerance  of  their  peculiar  tenets  d,-ove  the  Qiakers  to  Pennsylvania,  the 
Episcopalians  to  Virginia,  the  Puritans  to  Plymouth  and  the  Catholics  to  Maryland.  The  circle 
of  freedom  which  all  of  them  but  one  drew  around  them  was  only  large  enough  to  inclose  them- 
selves. The  banner  of  but  one  ship  proclaimed  universal  tolerance,  and  that  was  the  ship  which 
brought  the  Cathoiics  to  Maryland. 

To  Sir  George  Calvert  were  our  Catholic  ancestors  indebted  for  this.  Until  1024  he  was  a 
Protestant.  His  conversion  involved  great  personal  sacrifices.  He  held  the  high  and  lucrative 
office  of  secretary  of  state  under  James  1.  To  continue  to  hold  office  was  to  share  in  the  iniqui- 
tous iaws  which  persecuted  his  Catholic  fellow-citizens,  and  that  he  could  not  do.  He  led  in  per- 
son a  colony  to  Newfoundland,  but  its  soil  was  too  sterile.  He  sailed  southward,  but  failed  in  his 
attempt  to  associate  with  the  Episcopalians  of  Virginia.  They  wanted  freedom,  but  if  was  only 
freedom  for  themselves,  not  for  Catholics,  and  they  would  have  exacted  an  oath  from  him  which 
would  have  degraded  him  below  the  slaves  on  their  plantations.  He  returned  to  Eugland  and 
obtained  a  liberal  grant  under  which  his  son  Leonard  planted  the  colony  of  freemen  in  ivlarylaud. 
The  gallant  lit;ie  ship  left  England  November  22,  1033.  The  colony  was  numerically  Protestant, 
but  politically,  socially  and  religiously  Roman  Catholic.  The  expedition  consisted  of  Leonard 
Calvert  as  Governor,  Jerome  Hawley  and  Capt.  Thos.  Cornwallys,  assistants,  with  20  gentlemen, 
and  200  mechanics,  laboring  men,  servants  and  others.  The  superior  of  the  three  Jesuit  priests 
of  the  party  was  Father  Audrew  White,  the  apostle  of  Maryland.  At  the  outset  they  placed  then- 
ships  under  the  protection  of  God,  committing  their  success  to  the  keeping  of  the  blessed  St. 
Ignatius  and  the  guardian  Angel  of  Maryland.  All  denominations  respect  tne  influence  of  their 
ministers,  but  a  Catholic's  need  of  a  priest  is  founded  on  a  deeper  fattli  in  his  holier  usefulness. 
He  has  power  to  say  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee.  He  leaves  the  land  of  stateiy  temples,  but  bears 
authority  to  offer  the  victim  of  mercy  on  altars  rude  as  the  unchiseled  rocks.  Tne  two  most  no- 
table personages  who  gazed  on  the  new  land  were  Leonard  Calvert  and  Andrew  White.  There 
the  missionary  felt  his  prayer  and  chants  might  mingle  with  the  soi;gs  of  birds  and  his  words  flow 
free  as  the  rivers  that  poured  their  waters  into  the  oceau.  Noae  knew  better  than  Father  White 
what  havoc  of  faith  tyranny  had  made.  A  site  for  a  city  was  chosen,  and  St.  Mary's  the  name 
given  to  it.  But  in  days  when  traveling  through  a  county  was  like  a  journey  across  a  cantinent, 
it  had  to  be  abandoned  for  a  place  more  accessible  as  a  capital  to  the  interior  of  the  colony. 
Annapolis,  its  successor,  though  it  has  never  grown  to  be  a  giant,  is  not  without  its  title  to  fame. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  213 

The  author  of  old  Maryland  Manors  says  "it  was  at  Annapolis  that  soft  crabs,  terrapin  and  can- 
vas-back ducks  obtained  their  renown  as  the  greatest  delicacies  of  the  world."  He  quotes  from 
a  Frencn  traveler  of  the  last  century  :  "In  that  inconsiderable  town  at  the  mouth  of  the  Severn 
at  least  three-fourths  of  the  houses  may  be  styled  elegant  and  grand.  The  State  House  is  a  very 
beautiful  building— I  think  the  most— of  any  I  have  seen  in  America.  Female  luxury  exceeds 
what  is  known  in  France.  A  French  hair-dresser  is  a  man  of  importance  among  them,  and  it  is 
said  a  certain  dame  here  hires  one  of  that  craft  at  one  thousand  crowns  a  year." 

In  1638  Father  While  wrote  to  his  superior  in  Rome:  "By  the  spiritual  exercises  of  St.  Igna- 
tius we  have  formed  most  of  the  inhabitants  to  the  practice  of  pietv,  and  the  sick  and  dying  have 
all  been  atteuded  in  spite  of  the  distances  of  their  dwellings."  His  labors  were  equally  fruitful 
among  the  Indians.  It  is  an  honor  of  Maryland  not  shown  by  the  other  colonies,  that  from  the 
beginning  friendly  relations  existed  between  the  white  man  and  the  Indians.  Need  it  be  repeated 
that  Father  White  and  his  missionaries  were  Jesuits?  At  that  time  the  order  was  in  the  zenith 
of  its  glory.  The  superiors  of  the  order,  true  to  their  sagacity  of  sending  the  best  men  to  China, 
Japan  and  Paraguay,  appointed  for  Maryland  men  of  great  learning  and  ability.  The  history  of 
the  Jesuits  shows  that  the  most  gifted  men  were  the  best  for  this  humble  work.  Xavier,  Riccis, 
Ortega,  Father  White,  were  all  men  of  distinction  in  the  great  schools  of  Eurone.  The  first  his- 
tory of  Maryland  is  from  his  pen  in  Latin.  Will  any  one  wonder  that  the  Jesuit  loves  Maryland? 
He'has  lived  here  two  centuries  and  a-half,  and  is  hot  likely  soon  to  move.  St.  Ignatius,  founder 
of  the  Jesuits,  was  the  patron  of  the  Ark  and  Dove,  and  the  State  is  still  under  his  patronage. 
The  provincial  of  the  order  gave  up  to  the  proprietary  the  manors  of  Mattapony,  Immaculate 
Conception  and  St.  Gregory. 

The  act  of  religious  toleration  of  1648  is  a  cherished  memory.  It  was  passed  in  the  Assem- 
bly sitting  in  St.  Mary's  City.  But  what  is  religious  toleration?  The  question  is  pertinent, 
because  it  is  said  the  church's  teachings  are  inconsistent  with  toleration.  There  is  aright  kind  of 
toleration  and  a  wrong  kind.  The  wrong  kind  advocates  the  license  of  believing  just  what  a 
man  chooses.  Revelation  has  fixed  bevoud  the  right  of  man  to  change  it  to  just  what  we  shall 
believe.  He  must  submit  to  slavery  and  death  rather  than  yield  up  that  truth.  But  there  is  a 
kind  of  toleration  consistent  with  Catholic  principles.  While  we  hold  in  the  abstract  that  unity 
of  religion  would  conduce  oest  to  the  best  interests  of  man,  there  may  be  conditions  of  society 
when  freedom  of  differing  in  religion  is  altogether  necessary  for  the  happiness  and  prosperity 
of  the  State.  In  such  conditions  of  society  'he  Catholic  says,  I  will  not  force  you  to  believe  as  I 
do.  I  will  not  debar  you  from  any  position  of  honor  or  gain  because  you  are  not  a  Catholic.  This 
was  the  character  of  religious  toleration  in  Maryland;  this  kind  of  toleration  is  necessary  for 
the  well  being  of  our  republic.  Other  colonies  were  colonies  of  persecuted  msn  for  their  religious 
opinions  ;  Maryland  was  a  colony  of  persecuted  Roman  Catholics.  It  is  not  to  the  purpose  to 
say  there  were  Protestants  on  the  Ark  and  Dove.  It  was  emancipation  of  Roman  Catholics 
that  inspired  the  emigration  from  the  mother  country.  Maryland  atone— a  Catholic  colony — 
granted  freedom  to  every  man.  The  charter  granted  to  the  first  Lord  Baltimore  secured  religious 
ireedom  long  before  the  act  of  toleration  was  passed.  The  second  Lord  Baltimore  (Cecilius) 
was  most  earnest  in  carrying  out  that  charter.  Not  one  case  of  intolerance  can  be  cited  against 
Leonard  Calvert.  "Peace  to  all,  persecution  of  none,"  was  his  favorite  motto.  He  convicted 
John  Lewis,  an  ardent  Catholic,  for  forbidding  his  Protestant  servants  reading  the  Protestant 
Bible.  The  same  chapel  was  used  at  one  hour  for  Catholic  sacrifice,  at  another  hour  for  Prot- 
estant prayers.  In  the  memorable  Assembly  of  1649,  while  the  Catholics  were  in  the  majority, 
the  Protestants  acknowledged  the  act  of  toleration  was  adhered  to,  and  Dassed  a  resolution  to 
that  effect,  which  was  sent  to  England.  These  were  glad  tidings  to  every  nation  of  Europe  and 
where  religious  dissensions  prevailed. 

The  lecturer  argued  that  to  atti  ibute  the  toleration  in  Maryland  to  motives  of  self-interest 
in  Lord  Baltimore  and  the  Catholics  was  to  give  him  no  nobler  views  and  motives  than  a  Yankee 
peddler  might  claim.  But  Lord  Baltimore  is  safe  in  Protestant  as  in  Catholic  hands  from  such 
an  imputation.  He  quoted  the  recent  historical  review  of  the  circumstances  of  those  times  by 
Gen.  Bradley  T.  Johnson  in  proof  of  the  nobler  claims  of  Lord  Baltimore  on  the  admiration  of 
posterity,  Marylanders,  and  all  friends  of  liberty. 

A  Missionary's  Death.— Rev.  Judocus  Francis  Van  Assche,  S.  J.,  departed  this  life  Tues- 
day, June  26,  at  12  o'clock  noon,  in  his  seventy-eighth  year.  On  the  26th  of  last  May  he  started  on 
horseback  to  visit  the  sick,  carrying  with  him  tne  Blessed  Sacrament.  Wnen  two -miles  from 
Florissant,  Mo.,  out  on  the  Cross  Keys  Roads,  he  was  suddenly  attacked  with  paralysis,  falling 
from  his  horse.  The  faithful  animal  stood  still,  seemingly  waiting  for  him  to  rise  and  remount. 
He  lay  helpless  on  the  ground,  till  a  gentleman,  happening  to  pass  that  way,  assisted  him  upon  his 
horse.  He  wished  to  go  on  to  the  house  of  the  sick  person,  but  after  riding  a  short  distance  he 
felt  that  he  could  proceed  no  further,  and  he  turned  about  and  returned  to  his  home  at  Florissant, 
which  he  reached  with  much  difficulty.  Dr.  Hereford  being  called,  found  the  attack  to  be  a  serious 
one,  and  to  offer  little  hope  of  recovery.  The  patient  was  removed  to  the  St.  Stanaslaus  Novitiate, 
where,  despite  all  that  the  medical  art  and  the  kindness  of  friends  could  do  for  him,  he  gradually 
sank  until  he  breathed  his  last. 

The  word  rapidly  travelled  to  the  village  and  through  the  surrounding  country  to  this  city  that 
"  good  Father  Van  Assche  is  dead ;"  and  perhaps  none  that  knew  him  personally,  ever  knew 
another  person  to  whom  the  epithet '  good"  in  all  its  meaning,  could  be  so  appropriately  given— 
for  Father  Van  Assche  was  a  man  of  remarkable  goodness,  both  by  nature  and  from  every  availa- 
ble virtue.    He 

NEVER  HAD   AN  ENEMY 

and  an  unkind  word  was  never  spoken  against  him.  He  had  the  simplicity  of  a  child  ;  he  was  so 
cheerful,  so  kindlv  in  his  manners,  so  ready  to  serve  others,  and  to  give  the  peference  to  any  one 
over  himself,  that  no  man  knew  him  that  did  not  love  him,  and  no  one  could  meet  him  without 
desiring  again  to  see  him  and  converse  with  him.  Every  member  of  his  congregation  looked  on 
him  as  a  special  friend,  and  all  revered  him  as  a  wise  and  saintly  man  He  was  a  father  to  the 
poor  and  those  in  sorrow  ;  and  he  never  turned  away  a  beggar  from  his  door  without  giving  some- 
thing, even  when  having  little  for  himself ;  "for,"  he  would  say  to  his  friends,  "even  if  the  beggar 
be  an  undeserving  drunkard,  he  must  be  in  great  need  if  he  will  come  to  ask  a  small  pittance  of 
me."  Father  Van  Assche  realized  in  his  whole  life  and  conduct  the  ideal  of  a  Christian  pastor, 
made  perfect  beyond  all  ordinary  men,  by  a  charity  that  was  unfeigned,  because  it  knew  no  ex- 


214         CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

ception,  it  refused  no  work,  and  it  feared  no  sacrifice.  His  zeal  was  not  like  that  of  the  Pharisee, 
fiery  and  intolerant;  it  was  persuasive  and  gentle,  making  duty  a  pleasure,  not  an  insupportable 
burden.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  practical  good  sense  and  the  solidity  of  his  judgment  con- 
cerning all  the  affairs  of  human  life  ;  he  was  observant  and  thoughtful;  his  opinions  showed  so 
much  wisdom  and  prudence  on  all  matters  falling  under  his  notice  that  his  advice  was  sought  for 
and  most  highly  valued  even  by  most  learned  acquaintances.  It  was  instruction  to  hear  him 
express  his  thoughts  on  public  and  social  questions.  Having  spent  in  the  United  States  tiftv-six 
years  of  his  long  life,  he  had  become  attached  to  the  country  and  its  institutions  as  if  he  had  known 
no  other.  He  often  said  pleasantly  to  his  young  friends  who  were  born  h;re  :  '•  I  am  more  of  an 
American  than  you  for  two  reasons ;  one  is,  I  am  here  longer  than  vou  have  been  ;  and  the  other 
is,  that  I  am  an  American  by  choice,  whu>  you  are  one  by  accident."  He  lamented  the  rapid 
growth  of  avarice  among  our  citizens  during  late  years,  saying  "  Now  the  people  no  longer  work 
for  a  living,  but  all  are  now  working  to  become  rich."    He 

FIRST  BEGAN  TO   MINISTER 

at  the  altar  in  1S27,  now  fifty  years  ago ;  he  baptized  in  their  infancy  the  grand-parents  of  many 
now  living  in  St.  Louis  and  in  St.  Louis  County.  "Good  Father  Van  Assche."  as  he  was  for  many 
years  styled  by  every  one,  was  buried  on  the  spot— a  little  mound— where  repose  the  remains  of 
Father  be  Smet,  the  illustrious  Indian  missionary,  and  tho«e  of  Father  Meurin,  who  died  at  Kas- 
kaskia  in  1777.  Fifty  long  years  ago  Father  Van  Assche  heard  the  whip-poor-will's  nightly  song 
from  its  perch  on  the  tall  trees  covering  the  ground  beneath  whose  sod  he  will  now  sleep  his  last 
long  sleep. 

When  this  good  and  much-loved  old  missionary  first  reached  St.  Lonis,  May  so,  1823,  it  was 
then  but  a  struggling  frontier  town. 

Father  Judocus  F.  Van  Assche  was  born  at  St.  Amand,  which  is  on  the  banks  of  the  Scheld, 
and  is  five  leagues  above  A  ntwerp.  His  father,  Judocus  Van  A  ssclie,  dealt  in  spun  cotton  and  flax. 
Young  Van  Assche  wished  to  be  a  sailor,  and  his  father  applied  to  a  captain,  known  to  be  a  good 
man,  to  receive  him,  but  the  captain  whom  he  applied  to  declined  to  accent  any  more  boys.  The 
youth  was  sent  to  school  at  Mechlin.  His  playfulness  caused  his  te.icher,  by  not  rightly  estimating 
the  innocent  vivacity  of  a  boyish  nature,  to  request  his  father  to  recall  him  from  school.  His 
father  declined  to  do  so  till  his  son  was  given  further  trial  The  youth  soon  became  distinguished 
for  his  diligence  in  study,  obedience  to  rules,  success  in  his  classes,  and  all  virtues  becoming  his 
age. 

In  181G,  the  illustrious  Kentucky  missionary,  Father  Chas.  Nerinckx,  went  to  his  native  coun- 
try, Belgium,  in  the  interest  of  his  various  missions  in  the  diocese  of  Bardstown,  Ky.  On  his 
return  to  the  United  States,  in  1817,  he  was  accompanied  by  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde,  who  joined 
the  Jesuit  Society  at  Georgetown  College,  D.  C  In  Belgium  the  latter  was  tutor  of  French  to 
young  Judocus  F.  Van  Assche,  who  would  have  accompanied  him  had  not  his  youth  and  the  lack 
of  means  rendered  such  a  step  impracticable  at  that  time.  His  desire  to  join  his  friend  at  George- 
town he  however  kept,  and  he  only  waited  for  an  opportunity  to  go  to  America.  In  1820,  Father 
Neriuckx  again  visited  Belgium,  and  passing  by  way  of  Georgetown,  he  was  made  the  bearer  of  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Van  de  Velde  to  young  Van  Assche,  which  was  delivered  to  the  parents  of  the 
youth.  Young  Van  Assche  resolved  to  accompany  the  Kev.  Mr.  Nerinckx  on  his  return  to  America, 
ami  revealing  his  intention  to  his  schoolmate.  John  B.  Elet,  he  too  determined  to  go  with  the  mis- 
sionary to  America.  A  little  after,  John  B.  Smedts  joined  them  in  their  proposed  journey,  and 
then  P.  J.  De  Smet.  Felix  Verreydt,  and  P.  J.  Verhaegen  also  determined  to  join  the  party.  In 
order  to  raise  the  funds  necessary  for  the  trip  they  disposed  of  their  books,  furniture,  pawning 
their  pianos  and  watches  for  redemption  by  their  parents.  After  overcoming  many  difficulties 
they  collected  together  on  the  Texal.  a  small  island  off  the  coast  of  North  Holland.  Near  the 
island  the  ship  "  Columbus,''  on  which  they  were  to  sail,  rode  at  anchor  waiting  for  them.  They 
boarded  and  went  quietly  out  upon  the  main  sea.  They  seemed  to  have  cast  no  lingering,  longing 
looks  back  upon  the  shores  which  most  of  them  were  never  to  see  again  ;  for  their  purpose  was  to 
give  up  all  in  order  to  devote  their  lives  to  the  Indian  missions  of  America. 

THEY  REACHED  PHILADELPHIA 

on  Sunday,  September  23, 1821,  whence  they  proceeded  at  once,  by  way  of  Baltimore  to  Georgetown. 

They  were  received  as  novices  and  sent  at  once  to  the  house  of  probation,  at  Whitemarsh  ;  the 
place  was  so  named  in  commemoration  of  the  illustrious  Father  White,  S.  J.,  who  accompanied 
the  first  colony  of  English  Catholics,  who,  leaving  their  country  for  conscience  sake,  settled  in 
Maryland. 

In  the  year  1S23.  Bishop  Dubourg,  who  was  bishop  of  Upper  and  Lower  Louisiana,  went  to 
Georgetown  to  request  a  colony  of  Jesuits  to  be  furnished  him  by  the  provincial  of  the  Maryland 
province,  for  the  evangelization  of  the  Indians  in  the  State  of  Missouri.  Father  Van  Quicken- 
borne,  with  Messrs.  Van  Assche,  De  Smet.  Verhaegen,  Verreydt,  Smedts,  Elet  and  Brother  de 
Meyer,  who  still  survives  at  the  good  old  age  of  eighty- four,  offered  themselves  for  the  missions  in 
the  far  West.  They  left  Whitemarsh  about  the  middle  of  April.  1823,  went  to  Baltimore,  where 
they  procured  wagons  for  their  luggage  and  started  on  their  journey  to  Wheeling,  W.  Va.  They 
went  by  way  of  Frederick,  Md.,  Conewago.  Pa.,  Cumberland.  Md.,  thence  across  the  Allegheney 
Mountains,  reaching  Wheeling  after  a  journey  of  about  two  weeks  They  were  here  entertained 
for  a  few  days  by  a  kind  gentleman,  Mr.  Thompson,  whose  daughter  subsequently  became  a  dis- 
tinguished member  of  the  Sacred  Heart  order.  They  procured  two  flat  boats,  which  they  lashed 
tosether,  placing  upon  one  of  them  a  wagon,  some  negroes  that  accompanied  them,  their  stock  of 
provisions  for  the  journey,  etc.,— the  Reverend  gentlemen,  with  their  library  and  various  articles 
of  Church  furniture,  being  in  the  other  boat.  After  atrip  down  the  river  of  some  twelve  days, 
without  striking  incidents,  they  reached  Louisville,  where  they  met  the  Rev.  Charles  Nerinckx, 
who  was  there  awaiting  their  arrival,  he  having  a  few  days  previous  gone  to  Louisville  to  start  for 
the  "Barrens'"  in  Perry  Co..  Mo. —a  colony  of  his  sisterhood,  the  Loretto  Nuns— there  to  establish 
a  school.  A  "Falls  pilot"  was  engaged  to  get  their  boats  safely  over  the  falls,  and  in  his  trip  down 
the  rapids,  Mr.  Van  Assche  accompanied  him.  They  went  down  the  Ohio  to  Shawneetown,  where 
they  disembarked,  and  sending  their  baggage  around  to  St  Louis  by  steamboat,  they  journeyed 
across  the  land  to  the  same  destination. 

THEY  REACHED  ST.   LOUIS 

May  30,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  same  day  Father  Van  Quiekenborne  rode  on  horseback  out  to 
Florissant.  The  present  novitiate  farm,  or  at  least  that  part  of  it  on  which  the  houses  stand,  had 
been  donated  by  Bishop  Dubourg  to  Father  Van  Q.  and  companions.    They  took  posssession  of  the 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  215 

place,  and  began  at  once  to  clear  land  around  the  dwelling  in  order  to  make  a  garden ;  and  on  July 
hi  they  began  10  dig  the  cellar  for  a  dwelling  winch,  in  the  style  of  that  day,  was  a  log  cabin.  .Mr. 
Van  Assche  was  ordained  priest  in  1827,  and  assumed  two  years  later  the  regular  charge  of  the 
congregation  at  the  village  of  Florissant.  The  congregation  had  been  for  a  year  in  charge  of  the 
Trappists,  who  gave  it  up  in  1S10,  removing  to  Monks'  Mound,  on  Cahokia  Creek,  111.  \\  lien  the 
mouks  lett  Illinois  in  IS  13,  to  return  to  Europe,  Hev  M.  Durand,  a  member  of  their  order,  remained 
in  Missouri  and  had  charge  of  tie  congregation  at  Florissant  for  some  seven  years,  residing  a  part 
of  that  time  in  the  village  His  congregation  was  afterwards  under  the  care  M  l.'ev.  .Mr.  De 
Lacroix,  from  182  >  to  1823,  during  which  time  he  built  the  present  brick  church  of  that  place.  In 
iK-i:;  Mr.  lie  Lacroix  made  over  the  church  to  the  Jesmlt  Fathers,  under  whose  charge  it  has  re- 
mained till  the  present  time.  In  lSo'2  Father  Van  Assche  began  to  reside  at  Florissant.  He  lived 
a  couple  id'  years  at  Portage  des  Sioux,  but  in  1st  Hie  was  required  by  his  physicians  to  leave  the 
place,  which  was  subject  to  malarious  influences,  on  account  of  the  low,  wet  lands  surrounding  it. 
He  returned  to  Florissant,  and  with  the  exception  of  three  years'  residence  at  St.  Charles,  Father 
Van  Assche  made  Florrissant  his  home  till  his  death.  He  lived  54  years  of  his  long  life  in  .Mis- 
souri ;  and,  except  lor  two  short  visits  one  to  Cincinnati,  and  one  to  Chicago,  he  never  in  that 
tunc  went  beyond  St  Louis  and  s-t  Cfiarles' Counties  He  has  now  gone  to  tne  reward  of  a  long 
and  useful  life,  followed  by  the  praises  and  the  benisons  of  all  that  knew  him.  lie  was  a  man  of 
God,  who  gave  up  native  country,  a  home  among  loved  ones— and  all  that  is  near  and  dear  to  the 
human  heart,  in  order  to  make  himself  useful  as  a  missionary  in  a  strange  land. 

HE  SET  THE  EXAMPLE 

of  a  pious  and  blameless  life  ;  and  full  of  days,  and  full  of  merit,  he  expired  calmly  at  about  noon, 
on  Friday.  June  26,  at  St  Stanislaus'  Novitiate,  Florissant,  Missouri.  He  bore  his  last  illness  with- 
out one  murmur  or  complaint,  and  seemingly  without  any  pian.  No  one,  knowing  h*m  personally, 
will  fail  g  ving  assent  to  the  prayer.  May  lie  rest  in  peace  !  and  may  my  last  end  be  like  to  that  of 
good  Father  Van  Assche  !— St.  Louis  Time*,  July,  1877. 

Miss.  Sally  Lilly  remembers  having  heard  Father  Van  Quickenborne  preach  a  very  eloquent 
sermon  at  Littlestown,  when  passing  Conewago  for  the  West.  They  came  from  Baltimore  in 
wagons,  having  servants  with  them.    They  collected  blankets  and  other  things  at  Conewago. 


Old  St.  Inigo's  Manor.— St.  Inigo's,  Md.,  Januarv  IS  —There  is  but  one  spot  in  Mary- 
land which  can  be  said  to  have  remained  in  the  hands  of  its  original  occupants  and  their 
legitimate  successors  since  the  planting  of  Lord  Baltimore's  colony.  This  spot  is  St.  Inigo's 
Manor,  still  the  property  of  the  religious  community  that  settled  it— the  Society  of  Jesus.  Two 
rustv  old  cannon,  insecurely  mounted  on  loose  piles  of  bricks,  look  out  on  the  blue  waters  of 
the  St.  Mary's  river  as  they  did  two  centuries  and  a  half  ago  ;  and,  with  the  sweet-toned  beil 
which  has  rung  the  Angelus  three  times  a  day  since  1082,  are  the  sole  relics  visible  at  the  site 
of  tne  manor-house  of  the  old  colonial  days. 

For  many  years  there  was  exhibited  at  St.  Mary's  an  elliptical  table  of  English  oak  capable 
of  dining  thirty  persons,  which  was  brought  over  in  the  Ark,  and  used  by  the  first  Governor  of 
the  Province,  Leonard  Calvert,  both  as  his  dining  and  council  table.  Rev.  Father  Joseph  E. 
Keller,  late  Superior  of  the  Maryland  Province  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  in 
England  some  years  ago  said :  "We  have  got  at  St.  Inigo's,  Maryland,  the  original  round-table 
at  which  the  first  Governor  and  his  wise  men  sat  in  council,  and  on  which  were  written  the  laws 
of  the  Colony  and  the  famous  statute  of  liberty  of  oon-cience."  After  passing  through  a  num- 
ber of  hand3,  the  table  became  the  property  of  a  Mr.  Campbell,  at  whose  death  it  was  purchased 
Jan.  7, 1832.  by  Rev.  Joseph  Carbery,  g.  J.,  for  ten  dollars,  and  placed  at  St.  Inigo's,  where  it 
remained  until  a  year  or  so  ago,  when  it  was  removed  to  Georgetown  College.  Here  it  is 
exhibited  to  all  who  care  to  see  it,  and  is  an  object  of  much  curiosity  and  interest  on  the  part 
of  visitors. 

The  cannon  were  fished  out  of  the  St.  Mary's  river,  into  which  they  had  tumbled  owing  to 
the  gradual  washing  away  of  St.  Inigo's  Fort,  (built  by  Leonard  Calvert  on  a  point  jutting  out 
into  the  river  from  the  manor  lands,)  by  Captain  Thomas  Carbery,  of  Washington,  brother  of 
Father*Carbery.  in  1824.  In  1841,  at  the  suggestion  of  William  Coal,  member  of  the  House  of 
Delegates  from  St  Marv's,  one  of  them  was  presented  X>y  Father  Carbery  to  the  State  of  Mary- 
land "and  placed  in  the  State-house  yard  at  Annapolis.  Of  the  remaining  three,  (four  in  all 
were  stated  by  Father  Carbery  io  have  been  taken  up,)  one  was  used  as  a  boundary  mark  on 
the  manor  line,  and  the  other  "two  were  placed  on  the  lawn  at  St.  Inigo's,  where  they  have  since 
remained.  It  is  the  intention  of  tne  present  superior  of  the  mission  to  have  them  mounted  on 
pedestals  of  masonry  near  the  water  side,  and  eieaned  and  renovated,  so  that  they  can  be  used 
for  filing  salutes.  The  metal  has  become  rough  and  flaky  from  long  immersion  in  mud  and 
water,  and  their  appearance  is  sufficient  proof  of  their  antiquity.  The  bell,  which  has  graven 
on  it.  the  date  1682,  is  suspended  from  a  pole  in  front  of  the  mission  house,  and  its  silvery  roues 
steal  over  the  waters  three  times  every  dav  to  the  distant,  fisherman,  who  reverently  doffs  his 
cap  aud  murmurs  his  prayers  after  the  fashion  of  his  forefathers  generations  baon. 

The  founder  of  the  Jesuit  settlement  at  St.  Inigo's  was  Rev.  Thomas  Copley,  a  father  of  the 
society,  who  on  account  of  the  penal  laws  against  the  Catholic  clergy  appears  in  the  records,  in 
common  with  many  other  Jesuit  fathers,  by  the  simple  designation  of  "esquire"  or  "genl 
man."    Under  tne  "Conditions  of  Plantation,"   published  by    Lord  Baltimore  in  1636,  Thomas 
Copley,  Esq.,  demanded  grants  of  laud  in  consideration  of  transporting  Andrew  White,  Jo 
Altham  (Fathers  White  aud  Altham)  and  others,  thirty  in  all,  to  Maryland  in  1633,  and  Mr.  John 
Knoles  and  others,  to  the  number  of  nineteen,  in  1637.    He  received  in  all  twenty-eight  thou- 
sand five  hundred  acres,  of  which  lie  distributed  the  gr<  ater  part  to  others,  reserving  S,00  i  for 
the  society.    The  first  tract  taken  up  was  St.  Inigo's,  situated  on  St.  Inigo's  creek  and  St.  Ma 
river,  including  2,000  acres  on  the  mainland,  St.   George's  Island  1,000  acres,  and  "town  land" 
in  and  about  St.  Mary's  city,  400  ac  es     The  "town  land,"  after  remaining  in  the  han  is  of  the 
Jes 
anc 
Ced„, 

maiibrlto  still  thVprop'eity  of"~theJesuits',as  is  also  Newtown  manor,  formerly  an  estate  of  the 
lord  proprietary,  situated  on  the  peninsuia  formed  by  Brettou's  and  St.  Clement's  bays,  not  far 
from  Leonardtowu. 


216  CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Mattapany,  afterwards  the  home  of  Charles,  Lord  Baltimore,  was  given  to  the  Jesuits  by  King 
Pathuen,  a  chief  of  the  Patuxent  Indians,  but  was  relinquished  by  them  a  few  years  later  in 
pursuance  of  a  contract  entered  into  by  them  with  Lord  Baltimore,  in  which  they  agreed  not  to 
receive  gifts  of  land  in  Maryland  directly  from  the  Indians.  The  present  condition  and  appear- 
ance of  Mattapany  have  already  been  described  in  a  recent  letter  to  The  Sun.  At  Newtown 
there  is  an  ancient  church,  supplied  by  Father  Jenkins  and  the  other  priests  of  tbe  Leonavdtown 
mission,  and  a  manor-house  almost  if  not  quite  as  venerable.  The  bell,  which  bears  the  date  of 
1692,  and  the  library,  one  of  the  oldest  in  Maryland,  were  removed  to  Leonardtown  some  years 
ago,  and  are  now  at  the  parochial  residence  there.  The  house  at  St.  Thomas  was  burned  in 
1866,  and  a  number  of  valuable  old  records  and  documents  destroyed.  Six  years  later  the 
manor-house  at  St.  Inigo's,  erected  in  1705,  together  with  the  library  and  records,  met  with  a 
similar  fate.  The  present  building,  a  small  brick  structure,  occupies  the  original  site,  and  is 
composed  in  part  of  material  from  the  ancient  edifice,  which  was  built  of  bricks  from  the  old 
Catholic  church  at  St.  Mary's,  erected  about  1644. 

About  two  thousand  acres  of  iand  are  comprised  in  the  Jesuit  estate  at  St.  Inigo's,  divided 
into  farms,  which  are  leased  on  libera!  terms  to  tenants,  who  are  selected  with  great  care  and 
usuallv  remain  on  the  property  for  long  periods.  The  manor  lands  are  owned  by  the  Maryland- 
New  York  province  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  anil  the  revenue  is  applied  to  the  support  of  Wood- 
stock College  and  the  Novitiate  at  Frederick.  The  ground  allotted  for  the  support  of  the  priests 
stationed  at  St.  Inigo's  is  only  about  forty  acres,  and  the  impression  which  generally  prevails 
that  they  have  the  resources  of  the  entire  estate  at  their  coiutnaud  is  therefore  erroneous.  The 
present  superior  of  the  mission,  Father  David  B.  Walker,  who  succeeded  Father  Livius  Vigilante 
a  few  months  ago,  was  formerly  treasurer  of  Mt.  St.  Mary's  College,  Emmittsburg,  and  more 
recently  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Cincinnati.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  great  energy  and  business 
tact,  and  has  addressed  himself  resolutely  to  the  task  of  restoring  the  dilapidated  buildings  and 
surroundings  of  old  St.  Inigo's.  The  house  has  been  repaired  and  repainted,  and  the  work  of 
improving  the  garden,  grounds  and  farm  land  attached  to  the  residence  will  be  commenced  as 
soon  as  practicable.  His  assistant,  Father  J.  P.  Neale,  has  been  stationed  at  ttie  mission  about 
ten  years,  and  is  well  known  to  the  people  of  the  entire  county  for  his  tireiess  activity  and  en- 
thusiatic  devotion  to  his  work.  Father  Neale  is  descended  from  the  old  colonial  families  of 
Neale  and  Pye,  and  cherishes  a  deep  reverence  for  the  local  ass  'Ciations  and  traditions.  Three 
thousand  persons  are  included  in  the  cure  of  the  two  priests  of  St.  Inigo's,  whose  churches  are 
scattered  many  miles  apart,  thus  necessitating  almost  ceaseless  activity.  The  parish  church, 
which  was  built  some  sixty  years  ago,  Is  situated  about  half  a  mile  from  the  residence, 
and  is  a  plain  and  unpretentious  structure  of  brick.  About  six  years  ago  a  large  frame  struc- 
ture was  erected  on  the  river  bank  for  the  accommodation  in  summer  of  the  scholastics  from 
the  Frederick  Novitiate,  and  here  for  about  three  weeks  everv  year  the  young  men  enjoy  a  de- 
lightful holiday,  inhaling  the  fresh,  pure  breezes  from  the  St.  Mary's,  and  spending  much  of 
their  time  in  boating,  bathing  and  kindred  diversions. 


The  Jesuits  in  Thig  Country.— There  are  in  North  America  twenty-two  Jesuit  establish- 
ments, and  twenty-one  of  the  Jesuit  colleges  are  in  the  United  States.  Until  a  few  weeks  ago 
the  Jesuits  in  North  America  were  divided  among  Ave  provinces,  but  this  number  has  been 
reduced  to  four  by  the  consolidation  of  the  provinces  of  New  York  and  Maryland  The  district 
which  was  called  New  York  province  includes  New  York  State  and  British  America,  and  at  tne 
latest  count  had  86  priests,  122  scholastics  and  121  lay  brothers.  The  oldest  province,  Mary- 
land, which,  in  addition  to  the  territory  acquired  by  the  late  consolidation,  embraces  New 
England,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia  and  the  District,  of  Columbia,  had  207 
fathers,  217  scholastics  and  203  lay  brothers.  The  province  next  in  importance  to  Maryland  is  that 
of  Missouri,  which  includes  almost  the  entire  Mississippi  valley  north  of  Louisiana.  The  fathers 
in  these  two  provinces  are  all  English-speaking.  The  third  province  is  ohat  of  Lyons,  with  its 
headquarters  at  New  Orleans  and  Mobile.  The  fathers  there  speak  French.  The  fourth  and 
last  province,  called  Taurin,  whose  clergymen  are  Italian,  is  in  California.  There  are  also  some 
German  fathers  at  Buffalo,  which  is  now  in  the  province  of  Maryland.  The  head  of  the  Mary- 
land province  is  Father  Brady  ;  of  the  Missouri,  Father  O'Neill ;  of  the  Lyons,  Father  Jourdan  ; 
and  of  the  Taurin,  Father  Varsi. 

THEIR  SUPPRESSION  HERE. 

In  the  oldest  province,  Maryland,  the  Jesuits  were  established  early  in  Colonial  history,  but 
in  1773  were  practically  suppressed,  together  with  all  the  remainder  of  the  order  except  that 
part  of  it  which  existed  in  Russia,  by  a  brief  of  Pope  Clement  XV.,  who  was  forced  to  take  that 
step  by  the  hostile  stand  made  against  the  followers  of  Loyola  by  France,  Spain,  Portugal, 
Parma,  Naples  and  Austria.  Prussia  remained  friendly  to  the  order,  and  so  did  Russia,  whose 
sovereign,  Catharine,  although  a  member  of  the  Greek  Church,  manifested  the  warmest  admi- 
ration for  the  Jesuits  and  kept  them  within  her  dominions  because  she  believed  that  such  a 
course  was  the  best  she  could  take  for  the  cause  of  education.  Her  son,  Paul,  grandfather  of 
the  present  Czar,  was  also  a  strong  friend  of  the  Jesuits,  and  some  notable  writers  express  the 
belief  that  but  for  his  early  death  the  Greek  Church  would  have  bten  reconciled  with  Rome. 

Under  the  papal  brief,  the  property  of  the  order  was  confiscated,  although  in  most  countries 
the  members  received  annuities  and  were  allowed  to  live  privately.  It  has  been  a  mooted  ques- 
tion whether  the  utterance  of  Pope  Clement  was  a  real  suppression  of  the  Jesuits,  in  accordance 
with  the  laws  of  the  Church,  the  argument  having  been  advanced  that  a  bull  would  be  required 
to  suppress  the  order  and  that  its  abolition  could  not  have  been  effected  by  a  simple  brief.  In 
1801,  however,  Pope  Pius  VII.,  after  continuing  the  Russian  branch  of  the  order,  under  the  head 
of  a  Vicar  General,  granted  permission  for  the  Jesuits  in  the  Province  of  Maryland  to  resume 
their  establishments  upon  condition  of  being  considered  as  joined  to  the  Russian  brauch,  and 
in  1814,  immediately  after  the  fall  of  Napoleon,  tho  same  Pope  re-established  the  order  under 
its  old  form. 

THE  HEAD  OF  THE  PREACHERS, 

Father  Masruire,  who  is  to  lead  the  mission  that,  begins  to-day  a'  St.  Edward's,  is  one  of  the 
ablest  priests  in  his  order.  He  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  came  to  this  country  when  very  young. 
His  mother  died  in  Frederick,  Maryland,  leaving  him  apparently  friendless  and  without  re- 
sources. Father  McElroy,  of  St.  John's  College,  Frederick,  took  a  fancy  to  the  bright  lad,  low- 
ever,  adopted  him,  and  put  him  to  study.    While  a  scholastic  at  that  Institution  he  proved  an 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  217 

unusually  excellent  teacher  of  the  junior  students,  and  he  had  not  been  ordained  priest  a  year 
when  he  was  taken  from  the  pastorate  of  Gonzaera  Church,  Washington,  and  made  president  of 
Georgetown  College.  His  success  in  that  position  was  remarkable,  but  his  oratorical  powers 
proved  the  cause  of  his  removal  from  the  presidency  in  order  that  he  might  be  made  head  of 
the  missionaries.  In  persou  he  is  tall  and  slim,  with  iron-gray  hair,  and,  although  having  an 
ascetic  expression  of  countenance,  possesses  a  magnetic  geniality.  He  would  seem  to  be  sev- 
enty years  of  age,  but  is  not  more  than  sixty-one.  The  ceaseless  labor  that  has  proved  so 
effective  has  made  its  mark  upon  him,  and  yet  he  was  never  more  eloquent  than  now  and  never 
undertook  a  task  with  greater  energy.  Whenever  he  preaches  the  building  is  densely  thronged 
with  people,  and  the  cowd  is  by  no  means  made  up  entirely  of  those  professing  the  faith  he 
teaches. 

St.  Edward's  Church,  of  which  the  Rev.  Edward  Sullivan  is  pastor  and  the  Rev.  John  Mellon 
assistant  priest,  was  formerly  an  Episcopalian  place  of  worship.  It  stands  close  t^  the  Diace 
which  was  the  headquarters  of  Washington  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Germantown.  Upon 
the  conclusion  of  the  mission  at  St.  Edward's  the  three  Fathers,  reinforced  by  two  or  three 
others  of  their  order,  will  begin  a  mission  at  the  Cathedral  or  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul.— From  a 
■sketch  publislted  when  the  Jesuits  gave  a  Mission  in  Philadelphia,  about  eight  or  ten  years  a#o. 

Toleration  in  Maryland.— At  a  meeting  of  the  Maryland  Historical  Society,  several  years 
ago,  Gen.  Bradley  T.  Johnson  read  a  paper  on  the  foundation  of  Maryland  The  paper  recited  the 
three  theories  of  the  origin  of  religious  toleration  in  Maryland  :  First,  that  it  was  adopted  by  Lord 
Baltimore  to  attract  settlers  This  is  the  theory  of  Lodge  and  Dovle.  the  latest  writers  on  the  sub- 
ject. Second,  that  he  founded  a  Catholic  colony  as  a  refuge  for  Catholics,  and  declared  freedom 
of  conscience,  moved  by  the  teachings  of  the  church.  This  is  the  theory  of  Cardinal  Manning  and 
Catholic  writers  generally.  Third,  that  the  Protestants  were  in  the  majority,  and  thus  adopted 
and  enforced  it  because  it  was  the  principle  of  their  religion.  This  is  the  position  of  Mr.  Glad- 
stone and  Protestant  authors.    Gen  Johnson  contended  that  none  of  these  is  correct. 

Lord  Baltimore,  satisfied  that  free  institutions  were  about  to  perish  in  England  in  the  reign  of 
Charles  I,  formed  the  deliberate  purpose  of  founding  a  State  in  which  all  the  rights,  liberties  and 
franchises  of  Englishmen  should  be  enjoyed,  secured  by  all  the  guarantees  of  magna  charta.— 
Many  facts  made  known  in  1878  by  the  publication  of  the  "Records  of  the  English  Province  of  the 
Society  of  Jesus,"  preserved  at  Stonyhurst,  prove  this  purpose  of  Lord  Baltimore. 

The  original  colony  was  organized  by  the  appointment  of  Leonard  Calvert  governor  and  Je- 
rome Hawley  counsellor.  Catholics  and  Capt.  Thomas  Cornwallys,  Protestant.  The  colony  was 
largely  Protestant,  and  was  undertaken  under  the  advice  of  Mutius  Vitelleschi,  general  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Jesus  at  Rome,  and  of  its  provincial,  Father  Richard  Blount,  of  England,  who  sent  out 
two  Jesuit  priests  with  the  expedition  The  emigration  of  all  Christians  was  encouraged  by  the 
promise  of  freedom  of  conscience  by  his  proclamation  in  1634. 

Gen.  Johnson  referred  to  the  code  of  laws  prepared  by  Lord  Baltimore  and  the  early  historv  of 
the  proprietary  government  in  support  of  his  proposition."  After  the  battle  of  Naseby  had  decided 
the  fate  of  the  English  monarchy,  in  1645,  Lord  Baltimore  was  obliged  to  reconcile  'the  condition 
of  affairs  in  his  colony  with  that  in  England.  In  July,  August  and  September,  1648,  he  counseled 
with  Father  Henry  More,  provincial  of  Jesuits  in  Eneland,  as  to  the  proper  measures  to  be  adop- 
ted to  reconcile  Puritans  and  Roman  Catholics— the  Jesuits  and  his  government  in  Maryland. 

Father  More  was  a  great  grandson  of  Sir  Thomas  More,  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  England, 
who  was  a  martyT  for  his  religion.  He  was  historian  of  the  Jesuits,  able,  pious  and  learned.  He 
prepared  and  proposed  to  Lord  Baltimore  the  scheme  which  he  adopted,  to  wit :  That  he  should 
appoint  Protestants  to  govern  the  province  ;  that  he  should  bind  them  by  official  oaths  to  disturb 
no  one  on  account  of  his  religion,  especially  no  Roman  Catholic ;  that  he  should  forbid  the  Gover- 
nor assenting  to  any  law  concerning  religion  ;  that  he  should  issue  new  conditions  of  plantation, 
enforcing  the  statutes  of  Mortmain,  and  he  prepared  a  code  of  sixteen  laws,  which  the  proprietary 
assented  to  beforehand,  and  which  he  stipulated  must  be  adopted  within  twelve  months  without 
amendment  or  alteration.  The  first  one  of  these  sixteen  laws  was  the  act  concerning  religion— 
the  Maryland  act  for  religious  toleration. 

The  terms  of  the  settlement  were  sent  to  Maryland.  The  Assembly  in  1649  adopted  seven  of 
the  sixteen  laws,  first  among  them  the  toleration  act,  and  in  1650  adopted  the  other  nine  of  the 
proposed  acts  Thut  it  is  shown  that  the  act  concerning  religion  was  but  a  part  of  the  mature 
purpose  of  Lord  Baltimore  to  found  the  State  on  the  institutions  of  magna  charta,  and  it  was 
drawn  up  and  proposed  to  him  as  part  of  a  general  scheme  of  compromise  and  settlement  for  Pu- 
ritan and  Catholic  in  the  colony  by  Father  Henry  More,  the  provincial  of  the  English  province  of 
the  Society  of  Jesus. 


Among  the  Jesuits.— Yesterday  was  the  feast  of  St.  Ignat'us,  the  apostle  of  the  Jesuits, 
and  was  fittingly  observed  at  the  church  of  that  name  in  Baltimore.  To-morrow  the  celebration 
will  be  continued  by  a  grand  high  mass  at  eleven  o'clock  and  a  sermon  by  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished members  of  the  order  in  this  country.  In  the  evening  there  will  be  solemn  vespers, 
followed  by  benediction  of  the  sacrament  and  another  sermon.  As  usual  on  St.  Isrnatius'  Dav, 
the  appointments  and  changes  for  the  year  were  announced.  Rev.  Edward  A.  McGurk,  who 
has  been  president  of  Loyola  College,  adjoining  the  church,  for  eight  years,  was  transferred  to 
the  rectorship  of  Gonzaga  College,  Washington.  This  change  was  not  unexpected,  since  it 
rarely  happens  that  any  Jesuit  ever  remains  longer  than  three  years  atone  college.  Yet,  Father 
McGurk  had  so  endeared  himself  to  all  his  parishioners  that  not  a  few  of  them  hoped  he  would 
be  continued  here  at  least  another  year.  No  priest  in  the  h'story  of  the  order  in  this  city  has 
done  so  much  for  Loyola  College  and  St.  Ignatius'  Church  as  Father  McGurk.  It  was  mainly 
through  his  indefatigable  work  that  the  interior  of  the  church  was  recently  made  one  of  the 
handsomest  in  the  city,  and  the  college  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  learning.  Besides 
this,  he  labored  hard  to  reduce  the  debt  on  the  property,  and  succeeded  in  doing  so  by  many 
thousands  of  dollars.  His  successor  will  not  be  named  for  a  few  days,  but  he  will  probably  be 
Rev.  Francis  A.  Smith,  S.  J.,  at  present  stationed  at  Loyola,  now  in  New  York  on  a  visit.  In 
the  meantime,  Rev.  Fater  Dougherty,  who  last  year  taught  the  poetry  and  rhetoric  classes 
here,  is  acting  president.    Afterward  he  goes  to  Washinaton  to  assist  Father  McGurk. 

Prof.  E.  Spillam  has  likewise  been  transferred  to  Washington.    Prof.  M.  Cunningham,  who 
had  charge  of  the  preparatory  department  of  Loyola,  has  gone  to  Jersey  City  to  replace  Prof.  J. 


218         CONEWAGO— A  COLLECTION  OF 

Hann,  who  comes  to  Baltimore.  Professors  Morrison,  Quigley  and  Van  Renssiaer  will  goto 
Woodstock,  the  theological  seminary  of  the  order.  Professor  Woods,  of  Fordham  University, 
and  two  members  of  the  Woodstock  scho'.asticate,  will  be  stationed  in  Baltimore  during  the 
coming  school  year.  Rev.  P.  Daly  will  be  minister  of  Loyola  next  year.  Changes  at  Woodstock 
and  Frederick  will  be  announced  to-dav.  Loyola,  as  well  as  Woodstock.  Frederick,  Gonzaga 
and  Georgetown  Colleges  are  within  the  precincts  of  the  New  York-Maryland  province,  in 
charge  of  Very  Rev.  Robert  Fulton,  S.  J.,  provincial,  although  he  has  no  power  to  make  chan- 
ges or  appointments.  These  are  regulated  by  Father  General  Becks,  through  his  vicar,  the 
Very  Rev.  Anthony  Anderledy,  who,  since  the  banishment  of  the  Jesuits  from  France,  has  resi- 
ded at  Fresole,  near  Florence,  Italy.  New  York,  recently  consolidated  with  the  Maryland  pro- 
vince, was  formerly  anuexed  to  the  Canadian  province,  which  in  turn  has  been  consolidated 
with  the  province  of  England.  The  New  York-Maryland  and  Canadian  provinces  are  the  only 
provinces  in  America.  The  former  embraces,  besides  those  two  states,  the  territorv  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  Massachusetts.  Missions  have  been  estaolished  in  New  Orleans,  Buffalo,  Califor- 
nia, New  Mexico,  and  in  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

The  most  important  college  in  the  province  is  at  Woodstock  where  theological  studies  are 
pursued.  The  number  of  candidates  is  alwa>  s  large  notwithstanding  the  very  rigid  course  of 
studies  and  discipline.  Great  discrimination,  however,  is  used  in  the  choice  of  candidates 
for  membership.  Some  circumstances  or  qualities  form  ahsolute  imoediments  to  admission  ; 
such  as  membership  even  for  a  day  in  another  order,  or  notab'e  weakness  of  intellect.  Less 
serious  impediments  like  ill-temper,  ob3t'nacv,  injud  cinus  enthusia  m  or  visionary  devotion, 
etc.,  may  be  compensated  for  by  other  redeeming  qualities  and  circumstances.  The  h>st  pro- 
bation consists  of  a  period  of  some  weeks  spent  in  a  house  of  the  society  where  certain  ques- 
tions as  to  habits  are  asked  and  answered.  The  second  probation  consists  of  two  yea^s  given 
up  to  spiritual  exercises.  At  the  end  of  this  time  the  novice  pronounces  the  simple  vows  of 
poverty,  chastity  and  obedience,  with  a  formal  promise  to  enter  the  society  at  a  future  day. 
Then  two  more  years  are  spent  in  the  study  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  after  which 
three  years  are  devoted  to  mental  and  moral  philosophy  and  the  sciences.  Every  six  months  the 
scholastic  undergoes  a  searching  examination  before  four  sworn  examiners.  After  this  he  is 
sent  to  teach  in  a  college  both  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him  to  applv  his  acquired  knowledge 
and  to  train  him  to  the  science  of  governing  men.  Three  years  later  he  is  elevated  to  the  prist- 
tiood.  But.  few  Jesuits  rise  to  a  position  above  the  priesthood,  as  the  order  provides  against  all 
honors. — Baltimore  paper  of  August  \st,  18S5. 

Keenan-  The  late  Father  Keenau,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  whose  death  occurred  on  Monday,  the 
19th  ult.,  was  born  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  and  came  to  Philadelphia  in  1820  with  Bishop  Con- 
well,  second  Bishop  of  Philadelphia.  He  was  ordained  in  1821  and  went  to  St.  Mary's  College, 
Emmittsburg,  Md..  where  he  remained  until  the  death  of  Father  Holland,  the  pastor  of  St.  Mary's, 
Lancaster,  which  occurred  in  1823.  He  was  then  appointed  to  his  first  and  only  parish— St.  Mary's, 
whose  congregation  then  worshipped  in  a  small  stone  edifice  which  still  stands  next  the  present 
church.  Father  Schenfelder,  who  was  then  assistant  at  Lancaster  died  shortly  afterwards ;  and 
from  that  time  until  1S52  Father  Keenan  labored  at  Lancaster  alone  Priests  were  then  few  and 
far  between,  and  Father  Keenan  had  to  attend  at  Columbia,  Harrisburg,  Lebanon,  Elizabethtown, 
Coldbrooke,  and  other  places.  During  the  progress  of  state  works  he  was  frequently  called  to  at- 
tend the  sick  thirty  and  forty  miles  The  construction  of  canals  and  railroads  was  begun  and  large 
numbers  of  poor  Irish  laborers  were  employed  on  them.  His  life  runs  parallel  with  thaf  of  the 
celebrated  Rev  Father  John  McElroy,  S.  J.,  who  was  o'dained  in  1S17  and  who  took  charge  of  the 
little  church  in  Frederick  City  in  1822,  a  year  before  Father  Keenan  settled  in  Lancaster,  whom  he 
yet  survives. 

Close  by  St  Mary's  new  church,  a  handsome  brick  church,  built  by  Father  Keenan  in  1852, 
stands  the  old  church  in  which  the  Catholics  of  Lancaster  and  many  miles  around  heard  Mass  for 
many  long  ye:irs  It  is  of  stone,  and  well  built,  and  has  stood  since  1762  The  first  church  was  a 
log  structure,  built  in  1745,  located  on  Vine  street,  near  Prince.  In  1760  it  was  destroyed  by  tire, 
and  was  replaced  by  rhis  building,  which  was  then  reputed  "a  very  commodious  structure."  *n 
incident  of  its  erection  recalls  the  days  of  the  primitive  Christians,  for  the  women  mixed  ttr;  mor- 
tar, and  the  men,  after  gathering  stones  in  the  fields,  helped  the  masons  to  lay  them. 

Only  think  !  Thirty  years  before  Independence  Bell  rang  out  the  glad  tidings  of  freedom  to 
the  land,  when  Catholics  were  few  and  poor,  scattered  and  unpopular,  when  the  Penal  Laws  were 
still  unrepealed,  a  Molineaux,  a  Farmer,  a  Schneider,  Pellentz,  Ailing,  Brosius  Hellron,  Rossel- 
ler,  Stafford,  Geissler,  Hamm,  Montgrand,  Fitzsimmons,  Lewermond,  Janin,  Rntzen,  Coleman, 
Egan  (afterwards  Bishoo  of  Philadelphia).  De  Barth.  Becher,  Stoecker,  O'Connor,  Byron,  and  Hol- 
land—all true  priests  ;  some  Jesuits,  others  seculars  ;  some  Irish,  some  German— successively  la- 
bored and  toiled  in  the  spiritual  vineyard,  and  kept  alive  the  faith  in  Lancaster  and  a  wide  circle 
of  country. 

In  the  graveyard  near  test  many  of  the  faithful;  in  the  church— the  old,  dilapidated,  plain 
edifice,  now  abandoned— once  ministered  the  Most  Rev.  John  Carroll,  D.  D.,  first  Archbishop  of 
Baltimore,  and  first  Bishop  consecrated  for  the  United  States. 

In  the  old  graveyard  are  monuments  to  the  Flynns,  (,a  very  large  handsome  one  near  the  road) 
Hoovers,  McGranns,  Donnellys,  Thomsons,  Stockslegers,  Hooks,  McConomys,  Lachlers,  Dalys, 
&C— Standard,  March  lot  It,  1^77. 


Frederick,  Md.,  Sept.  12,  1877.— The  venerable  Father  John  McElroy,  of  the  Society  of 
Jesus,  died  this  morning  at  the  Novitiate  in  this  city,  aged  95  vears,  having  been  b^rn  in  the  town 
of  Innis  Killin,  province  of  Ulster,  and  county  of  Fermannaugh.  Ireland,  in  the  year  1782.  At  the 
time  of  hie  death  he  was  in  the  sixtieth  year  of  his  priesthood,  and  was  the  oldest  living  member 
of  the  Society  of  Jesus.  Till  within  one  year  he  had  remained  at  his  priestly  duties,  his  practical 
retirement  being  enforced  by  blindness.  For  a  short  while  in  his  early  life  he  engaged  in  com- 
mercial pursuits,  but  soon  entered  the  Georgetown  College,  where  he  was  treasurer  of  all  the  tem- 
poralities of  the  institution  for  eight  or  nine  years,  studying  during  his  leisure  hours  for  the  min- 
istry. He  was  ordained  in  Georgetown  Col'ege  Chapel  by  Most  Rev.  Leonard  Neal.  Archbishop 
of  Baltimore,  on  the  3d  of  May,  1817.  at  35  years  of  age.  During  his  ministration  here  he  built  the 
large  and  elegant  church  of  Saint  John,  and  also  a  large  portion  of  the  building  now  known  as  the 
Academy  of  the  Visitation. 


CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY.  219 

The  Mexican  war  having  broken  out,  President  Polk  called  upon  the  Bishops  for  a  chaplain 
for  the  army,  and  Father  McElroy  had  the  honor  of  being  selected  by  them,  with  Father  Ray,  to 
accompany  the  troops.  These  were  the  only  two  chaplains  in  the  army.  Father  McElroy  took  a 
very  active  part  in  the  campaign,  and  had  charge  of  the  sick  and  wounded  at  Metamoras.  After 
the  war  he  was  stationed  at  Boston,  Mass.,  where  he  built  the  Church  and  College  of  the  Immac- 
ulate Conception.  A  s  an  evidence  of  his  Influence  and  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  his 
people,  a  single  instance  need  be  referred  to.  While  the  Washington  branch  of  the  'Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railroad  was  being  built  a  riot  broke  out  among  the  laborers,  and  the  military  had  to  be  cal- 
led on  to  suppress  it.  Father  McElroy  hastened  to  the  scene,  and  it  was  wholly  due  to  his  influ- 
ence over  the  rioters  that  bloodshed  was  prevented. 

Father  McElroy  lost  the  use  of  his  eyes  about  the  year  1868 :  still  he  remained  active  enough 
to  attend  to  his  essential  duties  as  a  priest,  and  these  he  continued  to  perform  with  all  the  fidelity 
that  marked  his  earlier  years.  On  the  2d  of  January.  1876,  he  preached  his  last  public  sermon  in 
Saint  John's  Church.  An  immense  congregation  assembled  to  hear  him,  among  whom  were  manv 
Protestants.  The  scene  as  this  man  of  God  was  led  into  the  church  by  two  attendants  whs  deeplv 
impressive,  and  manv  eyes  were  suffused  with  tears  as  thev  gazed  upon  his  sightless  orbs,  trem- 
bling steps  and  long  flowing  hair,  whitened  by  the  frosts  of  more  than  four  score  winters.  He  was 
still  a  man  of  splend'd  physique,  and  as  he  sat  uttering  words  of  wisdom  to  his  attentive  auditors 
he  reminded  r>ne  of  the  patriarchs  of  old.  In  Frederick,  where  he  lived  more  than  twenty  years 
as  pastor,  he  was  much  beloved  by  all  denomina'ions,  and  his  name  is  held  in  benediction."  His 
funeral  will  take  place  Saturday.  The  sermon  on  the  occasion  will  be  preached  by  Father  Mc- 
Guire,  of  Httsburg,  and  a  number  of  prominent  priests  will  be  present. 

Rev.  Angelo  M.  Paresce,  S.  J.,  one  of  the  most  learned  and  distinguished  member  of  the 
Jesuit  Order  in  Mai'yland,  died  at  Woodstock  College,  Howard  County,  on  Wednesday,  the  9th 
inst.,  in  the  62d  year  of  his  aee. 

Deceased  was  a  Neapolitan  bv  birth,  but  his  long  residence  in  this  country  Americanized 
him  to  such  a  degree  that  the  closest  observer  could  scarcely  tell  he  was  of  foreign  birth. 

In  1S45,  when  the  late  Dr.  Ryder  was  seeking  recruits  of  voung  Jesuits  in  Italy  for  the  pro- 
vince of  Mary'and,  Father  Paresce  was  Professor  of  ChemiPtry  and  Natural  Sciences  in  the 
College  of  his  Order  at  Benavento.  He  agreed  to  accompany  Dr.  Ryder  to  America.  Arriving 
here  in  1846,  he  prosecuted  his  studies  in  theology,  and  was  ordained  priest  in  1848.  Immedi- 
ately on  his  ordination,  he  was  appointed  minister  of  Georgetown  College  under  Dr.  Ryder, 
where  he  continued  in  charge  of  the  internal  economy  of  the  institution  until  1851. 

His  zealousness  and  executive  ability  won  the  appreciation  of  his  superiors,  and  he  was 
appointed  to  the  government  and  direction  of  the  vouncer  members  of  ttie  Order  in  the  Novi- 
tiate at  Frederick.  Here,  as  at  Georgetown  College,  he  was  eminently  successful  in  the  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  assigned  him,  and  in  1861  he  was  appointed  provincial  superior. 

His  government  in  that  capacity,  though  in  troublesome  times,  was  marked  hv  the  comple- 
tion of  Woodstock  House  of  Studies.  He  was  the  first  rector  of  the  institution,  and  by  his 
admirable  tact  and  prudence,  as  displayed  in  former  charges.  Woodstock  became  famous  even 
among  the  most  famous  of  the  colleges  of  which  Europe  boasts. 

Dec'ining  health  compelled  him  of  late  years  to  give  up  all  active  employment,  but  he 
remained  still  at  Woodstock  to  help  with  his  counsel  those  who  succeeded  him  in  its  government. 
A  man  of  the  most  broadened  views  and  commanding  talent,  he  could  direct  and  supervise  at, 
The  same  time  the  highes,  and  lowest  studies,  while  his  nrbanitv  could  smooth  every  difficulty 
and  attract  to  himself  the  love  and  respect  and  veneration  of  all  who  dwelt  in  the  same  house, 
or  were  subject  to  him  in  the  various  houses  of  his  jurisdiction. 

His  death,  from  paralysis  of  the  brain,  was  very  srdden,  and  his  remains  were  interred 
among  those  of  his  hrethfen  who  had  gone  before,  in  the  beautiful  cemetery  adjoining  the 
college.—  April  19th,  1879. 

Death  of  an  Eminent  Theologian.— Many  priests  in  this  and  other  countries  will  regret 
to  learn  that  their  erudite  and  amiable  professor.  Rev.  Joseph  M.  Dnvernev.  S.  J.,  is  no  more.  He 
d'ed  in  the  midst  of  his  religious  hrethren  of  the  Society  of  Jesus  at  the  Novitiate.  Frederick,  Md., 
s>t  three  mi-  utes  before  nine  on  the  evening  of  the  Wtn  ins'.,  having  been  carried  away  by  an  at- 
tack of  pleuro-rneumonia,  that  just  manifested  itself  on  the  previous  Saturday.  During  his  last 
illness,  even  during  his  last  moments,  he  was,  as  he  had  always  been  during  his  long  life,  gentle 
and  cheerful,  with  his  life's  exeat  object  as  near  to  his  heart  and  full  in  his  mind  as  ever.  Almost 
his  last  words  were  a  commendation  to  those  whom  it  concerned  to  teach  thoroughly  and  at  any 
sacrifice  the  young  religious,  themselves  destined  to  be  professors,  that  had  of  late-  been  the  spe- 
cia'  objects  of  his  'ove  and  'abor.  Three  years  ago  he  ce'ehrated  the  go'den  jubi'ee  of  his  fiftieth 
year  as  a  Jesuit,  during  which  period  he  had  filed  chairs  of  theology,  Hebrew,  canon  'aw,  philo- 
sophy, and  modern  languages  at  various  times,  but  with  unvaried  success  at  the  Universities  of 
Friburg,  in  Switzer'and,  of  Georgetown,  D.  0  .  at  the  Colleges  of  Fordham.  N.  Y.,  Boston.  Mass., 
and  Woodstock,  Md.,  and  fina"y,  for  the  'ast  few  vears,  at  the  Novitiate.  During  a  short  interva'. 
he  was  engaged  in  parochial  ministrations  at  St.  Joseph's  Church.  Philadelphia  Tru'y,  his  sev- 
enty-two vears  of  'ife  were  given  who'iy  to  God  and  hi"  fellow-man :  and  he  fe't  the  sweetness  of 
it  at  'ast,  for  he  died  witn  a  smi'e  on  his  lips,  and  his  eyes  looking  wistfully  to  futurity  for  his  re- 
ward exceeding  great.    R,  I.  P.—  Nov.  23d,  1878. 

Virginia  Catholic  —"Let  it  suffice  to  say  that  as  a  part  of  the  Snanish  province  of  Florida, 
Virginia  was  Catholic  before  she  was  Protestant ;  that  she  was  the  co'ony  of  a  Catho'ic  power  be- 
fore the  first  Eng  ishman  trod  her  soil ;  that  her  first  governor  was  Don  Sedro  Mendez,  a  devout 
Catholic  :  that  in  company  with  a  Catholic  priest,  this  Catho'ic  governor  visited  her  shores  eight 
vears  before  Captain  John  Smith  was  born  ;  that  the  beautiful  bay  which  washes  her  eastern 
shore  was  first  named  by  Catholic  discoverers  in  honor  of  the  Rlessed  Virgin.  Santa  Maria  Bay  : 
and  that  there  was  s»  log  chapel  dedicated  under  the  protection  of  the  Immaculate  Mother  of  God 
on  the  banks  of  the  Rappahannock  more  than  three  centuries  ago  :  a  dozen  years  before  the  first 
voyage  by  Eugishmeu  to  the  New  World  was  undertaken  by  Sir  Humphrey  Gi  bert,  more  than  a 
third  of  a  century  before  the  first  successful  landing  was  made  by  the  English  at  Jamestown,  and 
fifty  vears  before  the  Mayflower  touched  at  Plymouth  Rock. 

"The  Virginia  Catho'ic  of  1S74  may,  with  some  pride,  reflect  that  the  only  civilized  feet  that 


220  CATHOLIC  LOCAL  HISTORY. 

trod  Virginia's  soil  in  1574  were  Catholic  feet-cliietty  the  feet  of  members  of  that  wonderful  Soci- 
ety of  Jesus,  to  whose  zeal,  devotion  and  heroism  the  discovery  and  christianization  of  the  New 
World  owe  more  than  to  ail  other  human  agencies  combined."— Memoranda  of  the  History  of  the 
Catholic,  Church  in  Richmond,  Va.,  by  A.  M.  Keiley. 

Philadelphia,  June  27,  1885.-Rev.  Domenic  P.  Coppens,  S.  J.,  died  last  evening  of 
heart  disease  at  the  pastoral  residence  of  the  Church  of  the  Gesu.  His  brother,  Rev.  Alphonse 
Coppens,  is  one  of  the  assistant  priests  at  the  Gesu.  The  deceased  was  thirty-seven  years  of 
age.  He  came  to  this  city  from  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  was  assistant  priest  at  the  Church 
of  St.  Ignatius.  He  was  born  in  Belgium,  and  was  ordained  a  priest  about  seven  years  ago. 
His  longest  mission  was  at  Frederick,  Md. 

Brute.— One  of  our  exchanges  in  its  report  of  the  burial  of  the  late  Bishop  de  St.  Palais,  of 
Vincennes,  says  that  the  corpse  of  Bishop  Brute  was  found  in  the  vault  in  a  state  of  perfect 
preservation,  so  that  those  who  were  familiar  with  his  features  could  not  fail  to  recognize  him. 
"Corpora  sanctorum  in  pace  sepulta  sunt  et  vivunt  nomina  eorum  in  perpetuum."— July  21, 18Ti. 

When,  in  1S68,  Bishop  Shanahan  took  charge  of  the  Diocese  of  Harrisburg.  he  had  but 
twenty  priests— he  has  now  forty-one.— Freeman's  Journal,  Dec.  18, 1ST5. 


Right  Rev.  John  Timon,  D.  D. 

Humble  Missionary  Priest  and  Holy  Bishop.     Born  at  Conewago,  Feb.  12th, 

1797.     Died  April  6th,  1867. 


From  an  Engraviug  in  Catholic  Family  Annual,  1886. 


The  edition  of  this  Collection  of  Catholic  History  is  very  limited.  As  it 
is  a  history  of  the  growth  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  East,  from  missionary 
times,  we  hope  the  clergy,  the  religious,  and  those  of  the  laity  who  appre- 
ciate our  expense  and  labor,  will  encourage  its  sale.  It  is  put  up  in  cloth 
binding,  and  will  be  sent  to  any  address,  postage  prepaid,  on  receipt  of  $2. 
Address,  JOHN  T.  REILY, 

Martinsburo,  West  Va. 


jfa.  CONTENTS.  j&> 

Photograph  Pictures  of  Fathers  Enders,  Deneckere, 
Villiger  and  Emig ;  View  of  Conevvago  Church  with  old  Cu- 
pola; View  of  Interior,  showing  Marble  Altar.  Dedicatory. 
Introduction. 

The    Church    and    Its    Heroes ;    The    Discoverers    of             page 
America;  Labors  of  the  Jesuits, 1 

Perm  and  Calvert,  Settlement  of  Maryland  and  Penn- 
sylvania, Laws  against  Catholics 10 

Boundary  Difficulties,  Troubles  between  Proprietar- 
ies and  Settlers, 17 

"  Digges'  Choice,"  Takes  in  the  Conewago  Valley, 
Early  Settlers,  Fatal  Difficulty  between  Digges  and  Kitz- 
miller, 21 

The  Conewago  Valley,  Location,  Settled  by  Catholics,  20 

Early  history  of  Conevvago,  Claims  of  the  Car  rolls,  The 
Indians,  Stage  Roads,  Hanover  Settlement, 30 

The  Conewago  of  the  Indians,  Its  Origin, 34 

The  First  Place  of  Worship,  Lands  Taken  Up,  First 
Missionaries,  Introduction  of  Catholicity  into  the  Province, 
Father  Greaton, 37 

The  Log  Church  Built,  Theodore  Schneider,  S.  J.,  Win. 
Wapeler,  S.  J., 45 

First  Resident  Priest,  Matthias  Manners,  S.  J.,  Num- 
ber of  Catholics, 47 

The  Log  Church  Enlarged,  The  Md.  Jesuits,  Arrival  of 
Revs.  Pellentz,  Frambach,  Williams  and  Andrews, 50 

The  Sacred  Heart  Built,  Bishop  Carroll's  Visit,  Growth 
of  the  Church,  Father  Pelientz, 52 

Father  Pellentz  to  Father  DeBarth,  Fathers  Brosius 
Erntzen,  Sewall,  Boarman,  Manly,  Mertz,  Zocchi,  Gallit- 
zin,  57 

Father  DeBarth  to  Father  Lekeu,  Fathers  Carr,  Roloff, 
Marshall,  Lekeu,  Rantzau,  Mayerhoffer,  Cummiskey, 
Stogan,  Besfhter,  O'Connor,  DeBarth,  Britt,  Byrne,  Lar- 
hue,  Dvveen  or  Divin, 61 

Father  Lekeu  to  Fr.  Enders,  Improvements  at  Cone- 
wago, Fathers  Kohl  man,  Dougherty,  Dween,  Beschter, 
Barber,  Kendeler,  Steinbacher,  Sacchi,  Tuffer,  Gibbons, 
Villiger,  Cotting,  &c 06 

The  Work  of  Father  Enders,  Church  Enlarged,  Fath- 
ers Deneckere,  Manns,  Villiger,  Dougherty,  Kreighton, 
Dietz,  Reiter,  Haller,  Cattani,  Dora  Fieri,  Tuffer,  Bellwal- 
der,  &c 70 

Father  Enders  Returns,  New  Steeple  Built,  Marble  Al- 
tar Erected  ;  Fathers  Deneckere,  Manns,  Emig,  Villiger, 
Flannigan,  Archambault,  Richards,  Jamieson,  Casey,  Du- 
four  :  Father  Enders'  Golden  Jubilee  ;  His  Death,  Father 
Forhan  succeeds, 74 


Education  at  Conewago,  Schools  Established,  The  Sis- 
ters of  McSherrystown , 79 

The  "Seminary  Farm,"  Fathers  Heront,  Tessier,  Grif- 
fin,  Myers,   Dubois,    Dillet,    Deluol,    Marshall,    Trappist 

Monks  at  the  Pitreon  Hills, 84 

The  Paradise  Church 88 

The  Littlestovvn  Church :.95 

The  Hanover  Church 97 

The  New  Oxford  Church, 101 

The  Bonneauyille  Church, 102 

The  Gettysburg  Chuich, 104 

The  Mountain  Church, 106 

The  Taney  town  Church, 108 

The  Westminster  Church, 112 

The  Frederick  Church, 113 

The  Hagerstown  Church, 116 

The  York,   Harrisburg,   Carlisle    and    Chambersburg 

Churches, 123 

The  Keyser  Church, 129 

The  Church  in  West  Virginia, 132 

The  Martinsburg  Church, 133 

The  Cumberland  Church, 144 

Biographical  Sketches,  Engravings  of  Fathers  Gallitzin 
and  Pellentz  and  Conewago  Chapel ;  Sketches  of  Fathers 
Gallitzin,  Pellentz,  Frambach,  BishopTimon,  Frs.  Villiger, 
Manns,  Deneckere,  Emig,  Cotting,  Enders,  DeBarth,  Bar- 
ber, Heront,  Baron  De  Beelen, 145 

The  Winchester  Church, , 159 

The  Gettysburg  Church, 161 

A  Collection    of   Scraps    About  Conewago    and    the 

Priests,  166 

Beat h  of  Father  Deneckere, 175 

A  Diary  of  One  of  the  Conewago  Priests,  1844  to  1846, 178 

Outline  Drawing  of  the  Old  Conewago  Church, 183 

Enlargement  of  Conewago  Churcn,  1850, 184 

Conewago  Notes  by  Mrs.  Jane  Jenkins, 192 

Sketch  and  Picture  of  Cardinal  McCloskey  and  Old  St. 

Peter's  Church,  New  York, 197 

Corrections  and  Additions, 198 

List    of  Jesuit  Superiors  of  Maryland,  Presidents  of 

Colleges,  Ac, 204 

List  of  Catholic  Archbishops  and  Bishops  of  U.  S., 206 

Addenda,  Early  Priests  and  Old  Families, 208 

Newspaper  Clippings, — Jesuits'  Golden  Jubilee,  Old  St. 
Inigoes,  Missionary's  Death,  Church  at  Lancaster,  Deaths 
of  Fathers  Parasce,  Duverney,  McElroy;  Lecture  by  Fath- 
er McGurk,  Church  in  America,  Jesuit  Matters,  Toleration 
in  Maryland,  The  Church  in  Virginia,  Engraving  of  Bish- 
op John  Tiraon  , 209 


BRITTLE  DO  NOT 

PHOTOCOPY 


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